English

Adaptive Navigation Strategy for Low-Thrust Proximity Operations in Circular Relative Orbit

Robotics 2025-09-03 v1 Systems and Control Systems and Control

Abstract

This paper presents an adaptive observer-based navigation strategy for spacecraft in Circular Relative Orbit (CRO) scenarios, addressing challenges in proximity operations like formation flight and uncooperative target inspection. The proposed method adjusts observer gains based on the estimated state to achieve fast convergence and low noise sensitivity in state estimation. A Lyapunov-based analysis ensures stability and accuracy, while simulations using vision-based sensor data validate the approach under realistic conditions. Compared to classical observers with time-invariant gains, the proposed method enhances trajectory tracking precision and reduces control input switching, making it a promising solution for autonomous spacecraft localization and control.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2509.02204,
  title  = {Adaptive Navigation Strategy for Low-Thrust Proximity Operations in Circular Relative Orbit},
  author = {Dario Ruggiero and Mauro Mancini and Elisa Capello},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.02204},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

This work has been accepted and presented at the 35th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, 2025, Kaua'i, Hawai

R2 v1 2026-07-01T05:17:08.234Z