Biobjective mission planning for geosynchronous satellites on-orbit refueling

Abstract

On-orbit refueling plays a key role in extending the lifespan of space assets. Geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellites are of high strategic and commercial value. The optimal scheduling for geosynchronous Earth orbit on-orbit refueling mission is studied in this paper, considering bi-objective function. Assuming that all space assets are originally located on the geosynchronous Earth orbit belt and noncoplanar, this paper aims at allocating the targets to the servicing spacecrafts, optimizing the rendezvous sequences and transfer trajectories of the servicing spacecrafts as well as their initial orbital location, dry mass, and fuel mass. Taking orbital transfer fuel cost and transfer time as the objective functions, a mathematical optimization model is proposed, as well as the solution method. Numerical simulations of various configurations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the model and solution method. It can be concluded from the simulations that the optimal initial position of the servicing spacecraft prefers the area where the targets are concentrated; the servicing spacecraft initial orbital parameters have significant influences on the mission planning results; and it is fuel-saving and time-saving to employ more servicing spacecraft for on-orbit refueling mission and to optimize the initial location of the servicing spacecrafts.