SPHERES: a platform for formation-flight research

Alvar Saenz-Otero; David W. Miller

doi:10.1117/12.615966

24 August 2005 SPHERES: a platform for formation-flight research

Alvar Saenz-Otero, David W. Miller

Proceedings Volume 5899, UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes: Innovative Technologies and Concepts II; 58990O (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.615966
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

New space missions, such as the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) and Darwin programs, call for the use of spacecraft which maintain precise formation to achieve the effective aperture of a much larger spacecraft. Achieving this requires the development of several new space technologies. The SPHERES program was specifically designed to develop a wide range of algorithms in support of formation flight systems. Specifically, SPHERES allows the incremental development of metrology, control, autonomy, artificial intelligence, and communications algorithms. To achieve this, SPHERES exhibits a wide array of features to 1) facilitate the iterative research process, 2) support experiments, 3) support multiple scientists, and 4) enable reconfiguration and modularity. The effectiveness of these aspects of the facility have been demonstrated by several programs including development of system identification routines, coarse formation flight control algorithms, and demonstration of tethered systems.

Citation Download Citation

Alvar Saenz-Otero and David W. Miller "SPHERES: a platform for formation-flight research", Proc. SPIE 5899, UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes: Innovative Technologies and Concepts II, 58990O (24 August 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.615966

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