Simulation of process of small satellites separation from deployer installed on cargo spacecraft

Abstract

Abstract A possible way to launch CubeSats is to place them in deployers installed on Progress MS cargo spacecraft. Launching satellites into orbit is potentially feasible both during Progress MS autonomous flight and during its stay in the International Space Station. In order for the CubeSats to achieve their mission targets, the separation process requires that they obtain the necessary linear velocities, the angular disturbances obtained be minimized and that the satellites continue to move without collisions. Addressing these issues involves the development of a dynamic model based on the numerical integration of motion equations. Once the model has been verified, taking into account, in addition to the permissible mass-centric and inertial characteristics of the objects, the contact interactions of satellites with the deployer guide rails and the door, a series of statistical calculations are carried out for different launch scenarios, based on the results of which a conclusion about the possibility of implementing the schemes considered is drawn and recommendations are made (in terms of dynamics) on the choice of the most appropriate layout.