This book focuses on the theory and design methods for guidance,
navigation, and control (GNC) in the context of spacecraft rendezvous
and docking (RVD). The position and attitude dynamics and kinematics
equations for RVD are presented systematically in accordance with
several different coordinate systems, including elliptical orbital
frame, and recommendations are supplied on which of these equations to
use in different phases of RVD. The book subsequently explains the basic
principles and relative navigation algorithms of RVD sensors such as
GNSS, radar, and camera-type RVD sensors. It also provides guidance
algorithms and schemes for different phases of RVD, including the latest
research advances in rapid RVD.
In turn, the book presents a detailed introduction to intelligent
adaptive control and proposes corresponding theoretical approaches to
thruster configuration and control allocation for RVD. Emphasis is
placed on the design method of active and passive trajectory protection
in different phases of RVD, and on the safety design of the RVD mission
as a whole. For purposes of verification, the Shenzhou spacecraft's
in-orbit flight mission is introduced as well.
All issues addressed are described and explained from basic principles
to detailed engineering methods and examples, providing aerospace
engineers and students both a basic understanding of, and numerous
practical engineering methods for, GNC system design in RVD.
