MUSTANG: A Technology Demonstrator for Formation Flying and Distributed Systems Technologies in Space

Peter Roberts, Tom S Bowling (Editor)

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Future astronomical, surveillance and communications concepts are expected to depend heavily upon distributed systems – many satellites flying in formation to form synthesized detector arrays many times the size of each individual spacecraft. Various concepts for these systems are already under development at establishments around the globe. The MUSTANG project is a UK programme funded by the British National Space Centre (BNSC) to demonstrate distributed systems using two nano- spacecraft in a low Earth orbit. This will include the demonstration of a variety of formation flying techniques as well as demonstrating various enabling technologies that will facilitate such distributed systems. The use of many small spacecraft in distributed systems greatly increases the potential for the production of large amounts of space debris. Passive end-of-life de-orbit technologies will also be demonstrated to address this problem.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication5th Cranfield Conference on Dynamics and Control of Systems and Structures in Space
    EditorsTom S Bowling
    Pages327-335
    Number of pages9
    Publication statusPublished - 2002
    Event5th Cranfield Conference on Dynamics and Control of Systems and Structures in Space - Kings College, Cambridge
    Duration: 1 Jan 2002 → …

    Conference

    Conference5th Cranfield Conference on Dynamics and Control of Systems and Structures in Space
    CityKings College, Cambridge
    Period1/01/02 → …

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