Approach Guidance and Control for Tumbling Uncooperative Target Using Adaptive Artificial Potential Field

Approaching an uncooperative spacecraft (target) is a critical technique for on-orbit servicing (OOS) missions. In active debris removal (ADR) missions in particular, the target’s motion cannot be estimated precisely until the service spacecraft (chaser) approaches and observe it directly. Therefore, the guidance and control system must be capable of approaching a tumbling target. This study proposes a guidance and control method using an adaptive artificial potential function (AAPF) to approach a tumbling, uncooperative target. In this study, a new guidance technique is proposed that introduces a rotational vector field alongside AAPF, allowing the chaser to account for the rotational motion of the target. The guidance sequence is divided into three phases by comparing the chaser’s acceleration constraint and the acceleration required for tumbling synchronization; (1) approach to a sphere of radius A within which synchronization is feasible; (2) synchronize with the target’s tumbling; and (3) approach the desired point. In the final phase, the chaser synchronizes with the target’s tumbling and approaches the desired point using the proposed guidance method which combines AAPF and RVF. The findings contribute to approach and capture technologies for OOS missions.