Model Predictive Control for Nano-Satellite Formation Guidance in Low Earth Orbit

This paper deals with the coordination of Cubesat-type nanosatellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) through the application of a decentralized model predictive control algorithm. The design objective is to reduce tracking errors while accommodating the activation times of thrusters. The effectiveness of this approach is proved via numerical simulations performed with a nonlinear simulator incorporating factors such as solar wind pressure, atmospheric drag, and gravitational field fluctuations relative to latitude and longitude.