Maneuver planning optimization for spacecraft formation flying missions

Formation flying of spacecraft in orbit around the Earth and in deep space is becoming an enabling technology for a number of space mission concepts. One such concept is separated spacecraft interferometry, a technique to be used by ESA's Darwin planet finding mission. In this paper, a maneuver planning algorithm is introduced designed to find the post-maneuver spacecraft positions that satisfy interferometry science goals whilst optimizing for fuel use or fuel balancing considerations. Compared to a benchmark planning algorithm gains of up to 23% less fuel for fuel minimizing maneuvers and a significant increase in fuel balancing for fuel balancing maneuvers are observed using Darwin-like mission parameters.