Spacecraft formation flight about libration points using impulsive maneuvering

As more advanced spacecraft operational capabilities are required to accomplish innovative scientific missions, a shift to the incorporation of distributed space systems is under way. One area of current focus is the relative dynamics of a formation of spacecraft orbiting a libration point. One interesting and current challenge in this research area is maintaining formation control during both passive and active modes of operation, with different modes requiring different levels of accuracy. The research described in this paper focuses on the development and analysis of discrete maneuvering techniques using differential correction methods for maintaining a two satellite formation within required error tolerances for a given operational mode. In particular, formation sizes and control tolerances are sought for which impulsive maneuvering becomes a practical option.