GPS Navigation Based Proximity Operations by the PRISMA Satellites - Flight Results

Abstract

This paper presents flight results and lessons learned from the Proximity Formation Flying experiment developed and executed by SSC on the Swedish PRISMA mission. The paper will cover the design, flight results, operational aspects as well as lessons learned. Proximity operations in PRISMA consist of forced-motion flight of Mango around Tango in the ranges from about 50 m down to 2 m. The forced motion is either directly around Tango or around a virtual structure defined about the Tango spacecraft. The purpose of the virtual structure is to mimic the circumflight about a large object with appendages and no-fly zones, such as the International Space Station (ISS).