Interactive Orbital Proximity Operations Planning System

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Abstract
An interactive graphical proximity operations planning system has been developed, which allows on-site design of efficient complex multi-burn maneuvers in the dynamic multi-spacecraft environment about the space-station. Maneuvering takes place, in as well as out, of the orbital plane. The difficulty in planning such missions results from the unusual and counter-intuitive character of relative orbital motion trajectories and complex operational constraints which are both time-varying and highly dependent on the mission scenario. This difficulty is greatly overcome by visualizing the relative trajectories and the relevant constraints in an easily interpretable graphical format which provides the operator with immediate feedback on his design actions. The display shows a perspective "bird's eye view of the space-station and co-orbiting spacecraft on the background of the stations orbital plane. The operator has control over two modes of operation: (1) a viewing system mode, which enables him to "explore" the spatial situation about the space-station and thus choose and frame-in on areas of interest, and (2) a trajectory design mode, which allows the interactive "editing" of series of way-points and maneuvering burns to obtain trajectory which complies with all operational constraints. Through a graphical interactive process, the operator will continue to modify trajectory design until all operational constraints are met. The effectiveness of this display format in complex trajectory design, is presently being evaluated in an ongoing experimental program.

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