Proximity Operation and Automated Docking on HTV-X: Guidance, Navigation, and Control Strategy

摘要

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is developing the next-generation unmanned rendezvous visiting vehicle “HTV-X” to provide not only advanced cargo trans-portation capability for the International Space Station but also service as a technology tryout platform in low Earth orbit at the end of its mission. JAXA plans to demonstrate an automated docking technique with this platform. The automated docking system is one of the critical technologies needed to realize sustainable activity on the future cis-lunar Gateway station where crew-based operations such as capturing the rendezvous vehicle by using real-time robotic arm operation on the space station are currently not available. This paper first presents the concept of a GNC strategy to address 6 degrees-of-freedom spacecraft attitude and position control for future HTV-X docking missions, and then describes how rendezvous trajectories are implemented by considering passive abort safety and 3D LIDAR-based navigation. Finally, the feasibility of an auto-mated docking system is assessed and the safe departure/retreat conditions in case of docking failure are investigated based on Monte Carlo simulation results.