A Contamination-Free Ultrahigh Precision Formation Flying Method ...

Laser TetherPhase I Study Accomplishment Summary• Theoretically proved that the proposed FF method is capable ofmaintaining the interspacecraft distance with accuracy of nm at themaximum baseline distance of tens of kms.• Successfully developed the engineering architecture of unification ofphoton thruster system with interferometric ranging system for simplifiedarchitecture control and system weight reduction.• Developed the method of controlling tether vibrations usingelectromechanical dampers and photon thruster power modulation.• Orbit specific mission applications have been identified andinvestigated.• Identified Phase II program topics and designed the Phase IIexperimental system.