Coupled Dynamics Modeling with Integrated Topology Representation for On-orbit Assembly

Abstract On-orbit assembly has become a pivotal technology for constructing large spacecraft, yet significant challenges persist in dynamics modeling. This paper establishes a comprehensive coupled dynamics model for spacecraft on-orbit assembly missions, while proposing an update methodology spanning from topological configuration to dynamics parameters. First, the coupled attitude-vibration dynamic equations of flexible spacecraft are derived based on Kane’s equations. Then, a graph-theory-based topology representation method suitable for diverse assembly modules was proposed, and a comprehensive multidimensional dynamics parameter updating algorithm was designed. Finally, numerical simulations of an on-orbit assembly mission for a satellite platform are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the modeling method.