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Completed TRL 7 (started at 1, targeting 7)
This project seeks to develop methods for orbit visualization, selection, and analysis for SmallSat formation flying missions in a multi-body regime by creating a common set of computational tools for use by scientists and engineers. These methods and tools will facilitate the mission design process and help identify propellant efficient formations and control strategies, thereby enabling future formation missions such as constellations, starshades, and servicing.
1) Develop analytical tools for selecting viable orbits, formations, and control algorithms
Study how spacecraft configuration parameters, (relative position/velocity, orbit, epoch, etc.) effects evolution of constellation formation. This will assist in developing strategies to identify advantageous orbits for formation flight and initialize SmallSat spacecraft constellations.
The relative multi-body dynamics will be studied and addressed to guide the development of efficient control algorithms and schemes, with emphasis on enabling sub millimeter position accuracy and stability.
*stretch effort* Understand constellation and individual spacecraft pointing stability under the multi-body dynamical structure to develop efficient attitude control algorithms, with emphasis of enabling arc-second and better pointing accuracy and stability.
Will provide a user guide to the analytical equations along with documented C++/Python scripts. These tools will enable engineers and scientists to identify mission formulations that accomplish desired scientific goals and to determine performance metrics, assisting in the hardware selection for the desired platform.
2) Simulation framework to study formation control of SmallSat constellations (6 months)
Tool framework will be developed that will interface with GMAT and potentially 42, enabling high fidelity studies in formation control missions for SmallSat constellations. Thorough documentation will also be provided.
The tools will offer various position/attitude control algorithms and provide a range of performance data (ΔV costs, position/attitude accuracy, stability of the virtual structure and of individual spacecraft, etc.), to enable understanding the necessary hardware requirements for the desired SmallSat bus (i.e. Dellingr-X).
*note that implementation of attitude dynamics is a stretch goal*
The framework will enable the visualization of the SmallSat constellations to merge understanding between engineering/scientists and mission management.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.