An Analytical Method for Accuracy Analysis of Close Proximity Rendezvous in Space Based on an Improved C-W Equation under Perturbation Effects

Abstract

Abstract In order to address the issue of quantitatively solving the impact of perturbation forces and initial errors on rendezvous accuracy, traditional analytical methods are not suitable, and the calculation steps for statistical methods based on Monte Carlo simulation analysis are complex and computationally time-consuming. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes a method for analysing rendezvous accuracy based on an improved relative motion dynamics model. Describing the relative motion between a sub-spacecraft and a target spacecraft by an improved Clohessy-Wiltshire (C-W) equation. By employing the derived state transition matrix from the model, it is possible to calculate the error propagation during the rendezvous process and express the rendezvous accuracy analytically. Through simulation examples, the proposed method proves to be both accurate and efficient in analysing the influence of perturbation forces and random errors such as initial position and velocity on rendezvous accuracy. This study verifies the correctness and effectiveness of the approach.