A Thruster Configuration Method for Spacecraft Six-Dimensional Control

Abstract

The configuration of spacecraft thrusters directly affects the realization of precise automatic control and propellant consumption. At present, the design of thruster configuration lacks of theoretical guidance. Spacecraft carrying out complex space missions such as rendezvous and docking are often equipped with too many thrusters. This paper proposed a theoretical design method of thruster configuration for six-dimensional position and attitude control missions. Firstly, the mathematical description of thruster configuration is introduced. Then, a general design method of thruster configuration for six-dimensional control task is proposed. Finally, simulation of relative position and attitude control of rendezvous and docking task is taken as an example to verify the correctness and validity of the above method.