Rapid Modeling Method and Analysis of Factors Affecting the Dynamics of On-Orbit Launch Systems for Micro-Spacecraft

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Authors: Zhenyu Jin, Zhong Ma, Haibo Yang, Shengbao Wu, Zengqiao Tan, Xiaoyu Tao
Cited by: 1
References: 15

Abstract

Rapid advances in on-orbit servicing technologies have driven exponential growth in micro-spacecraft on-orbit ejection missions. Post-separation attitude disturbances are the dominant factor determining mission success, requiring accurate and rapid disturbance prediction. This study develops an efficient multi-rigid-body dynamic simulation framework for on-orbit ejection based on the simulation software ADAMS. Contact parameters between the micro-spacecraft and guide rail are calibrated against high-fidelity rigid–flexible coupled simulation results from the simulation software LS-DYNA, establishing a streamlined simulation pipeline. Using this validated framework, the effects of thrust misalignment angle, thrust eccentricity, and mass eccentricity on ejection-phase attitude disturbances are systematically quantified. Results demonstrate that the calibrated ADAMS multi-rigid-body model effectively substitutes computationally intensive rigid–flexible coupled models without sacrificing predictive accuracy. Specifically, constraining the axial thrust misalignment angle to ≤0.2°, axial thrust eccentricity to ≤0.4 mm, and axial mass eccentricity to ≤0.2 mm can significantly enhance separation attitude stability. This work provides a practical and efficient engineering methodology for the rapid assessment of attitude disturbances in micro-spacecraft on-orbit ejection systems. However, this study is limited to analyzing the ejection phase of separation, neglecting attitude disturbance effects in the subsequent orbital flight and target impact phases. Future work will address these omissions by extending the model to the entire mission profile and quantifying associated uncertainties.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Space Satellite Systems and Control Spacecraft Dynamics and Control Dynamics and Control of Mechanical Systems

Publication details

Journal / source
Aerospace
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
13
Issue
6
Pages
541–541
Publication date
10 June 2026
Language
EN