Challenges in the control and autonomy of communications satellites

The predicted rapid growth in space communications has stimulated many idea s beyond today's solutions. In addition to geosynchronous satellites, new l ow and intermediate orbit constellations of satellites and even constellati ons in eccentric orbits are being designed and planned. The paper gives an overview of the new and challenging requirements for satellite attitude and orbit control systems (AOCS), and presents solutions based on examples fro m current projects. New methods for autonomous failure management, autonomo us orbit determination and station keeping are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.