Speaker
Description
The rapid proliferation of mega-constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has significantly increased the frequency of conjunction events, necessitating robust collision avoidance strategies. Adherence to ESA’s Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines and the Clean Space initiative requires a transition from reactive manoeuvres to proactive ones. The study quantifies the impact of the Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAM) on constellation performance. While existing literature primarily evaluates collision risk reduction, the transient operational effects of CAMs on constellation services remain largely unexplored. The study addresses the gap by analysing how manoeuvres affect Inter-Satellite Link (ISL) stability and terrestrial coverage continuity.
The study combines orbital uncertainty propagation with the design of a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) subsystem tailored for constellations equipped with low-thrust propulsion. Unlike impulsive manoeuvres, low-thrust manoeuvres extend the decision-making horizon, requiring accurate modelling of the temporal evolution of orbital uncertainty to determine optimal manoeuvre initiation. A Walker-Delta constellation is simulated to represent modern architectures, such as those deployed by SpaceX’s Starlink and OneWeb’s satellite constellation. Conjunction scenarios are designed using MASTER (Meteoroid and Space Debris Terrestrial Environment Reference) tool from European Space Agency to ensure realistic space environment conditions.
The framework enables constellation operators to balance safety and service continuity, contributing to the sustainable operation and extended lifespan of constellation infrastructures.