Methodology for CubeSat Debris Collision Avoidance Based on Its Active ADCS System

González-Rodríguez, Desiree; Orgeira-Crespo, Pedro; Cappelletti, Chantal; Aguado-Agelet, Fernando

Abstract

This research assesses the feasibility of a collision avoidance methodology for CubeSats lacking propulsion. The approach involves altering the satellite’s orientation to modify its cross-sectional area and, subsequently, the drag force. Examining altitudes within low Earth orbit (LEO) across 2U, 3U, and 6U CubeSat formats, maneuvers are considered two days before the Time to Closest Approach (TCA). Evaluation against the Conjunction Data Messages (CDMs) threshold miss distances reveals a minimum 7% and maximum 106% deviation in Vertical Distance Difference (VDD), and 68% to 1045% in Horizontal Distance Difference (HDD) concerning the notification threshold. These findings strongly endorse the practicality of the proposed collision avoidance methodology, utilizing CubeSat Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS). Ongoing research focuses on assessing ADCS maneuver execution rates and implementation times, advancing our understanding and applicability of this innovative CubeSat collision avoidance approach.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 29, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 16, 2023
• Publication Date: Nov 16, 2023
• Deposit Date: Apr 12, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 18, 2024
• Journal: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
• Electronic ISSN: 2076-3417
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 22
• Article Number: 12388
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212388
• Keywords: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes; Computer Science Applications; Process Chemistry and Technology; General Engineering; Instrumentation; General Materials Science
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/27855755
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/22/12388