Satellite orbits that are eccentric and inclined with near-repeating ground
tracks can exhibit complex dynamical motions. This class of orbit is typic
ally in resonance with multiple Earth tesseral harmonics. Depending on the
selected resonance (i.e. orbits with a 24 h period, 12 h period, etc.), inc
lination, and eccentricity, the interaction between tesserals produces a va
riety of motions ranging between responses that are periodic, quasiperiodic
, and chaotic. Furthermore, the type of motion encountered by a satellite c
an have a significant impact on the east-west stationkeeping process. Indee
d, the classical stationkeeping algorithm is shown to be potentially non-co
nvergent in regions of the phase space that possess higher order periodic,
quasiperiodic, and/or chaotic motions. Poincare sections provide Insight in
to the location of these regions, and suggest improvements to the classical
control technique. Combining this information with an asymptotic analysis,
an alternative method is developed and demonstrated to remain stable in th
e complex regions of the phase space. The proposed method retains the 'graz
ing' strategy of the classical algorithm; however, the algorithm adapts to
the dynamical environment to ensure stability of the process. Preliminary r
esults demonstrate that the algorithm remains stable in chaotic regions of
the phase space and accomplishes the primary objective of maintaining motio
n in a prescribed deadband region. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right
s reserved.