Optimal Reconfiguration Assignments For Low Earth Orbit Spacecraft Constellations

The purpose of this work is to propose a mathematical framework for identifying the optimal assignments available for multi-satellite servicing systems where a fleet of servicers has to rendezvous a receptor satellite constellation under a time and fuel constraint. To this end, this work leverages the natural differential dynamics that appear between servicers and receptors under orbital perturbations to identify both individual low fuel cost maneuvering strategies for each assignment, and a global optimum of the system using the Munkres algorithm. Servicing reachability, time and fuel budget constraint tradeoffs, sensitivity analysis and examples of application are also included.