Dynamics and Control of Space On-Orbit Operations

A special issue of Aerospace (ISSN 2226-4310). This special issue belongs to the section "Astronautics & Space Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 761

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
Interests: on-orbit servicing; multi-body dynamics and control; intelligent assembly

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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
Interests: nano-satellite development; satellites cooperative control; space robotics; lunar and planetary exploration
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Space on-orbit operations include a wide range of activities, such as spacecraft rendezvous and docking, satellite servicing, debris removal, in-space assembly, and formation flying. These operations are essential for enhancing the capabilities and longevity of existing space assets, enabling complex space missions such as large space telescopes or deep space exploration platforms, and mitigating the growing threat of space debris. Understanding and mastering the dynamics and control aspects are key to ensuring the success and safety of these operations. This Special Issue is dedicated to presenting the latest advancements and in-depth insights into the dynamics and control of space on-orbit operations, including but not limited to dynamics modeling, control strategies, sensor and actuator technologies, mission planning and optimization, and the simulation and verification of various space on-orbit operations. We especially encourage researchers, engineers, and scholars to present innovations combining traditional methods with advancing AI technologies. By gathering a collection of high-quality research papers, this Special Issue aims to accelerate the progress and innovation in this critical area of space technology, leading to more efficient, reliable, and ambitious space missions in the coming years.

Dr. Lingling Shi
Prof. Dr. Masahiro Nohmi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • space on-orbit operations
  • dynamic modeling
  • nonlinear control
  • sensing techniques
  • mission planning
  • simulation and verification
  • intelligent control

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

20 pages, 2431 KB  
Article
Game Theory-Based Leader–Follower Tracking Control for an Orbital Pursuit–Evasion System with Tethered Space Net Robots
by Zhanxia Zhu, Chuang Wang and Jianjun Luo
Aerospace 2025, 12(8), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12080710 - 11 Aug 2025
Viewed by 378
Abstract
The tethered space net robot offers an effective solution for active space debris removal due to its large capture envelope. However, most existing studies overlook the evasive behavior of non-cooperative targets. To address this, we model an orbital pursuit–evasion game involving a tethered [...] Read more.
The tethered space net robot offers an effective solution for active space debris removal due to its large capture envelope. However, most existing studies overlook the evasive behavior of non-cooperative targets. To address this, we model an orbital pursuit–evasion game involving a tethered net and propose a game theory-based leader–follower tracking control strategy. In this framework, a virtual leader—defined as the geometric center of four followers—engages in a zero-sum game with the evader. An adaptive dynamic programming method is employed to handle input saturation and compute the Nash Equilibrium strategy. In the follower formation tracking phase, a synchronous distributed model predictive control approach is proposed to update all followers’ control simultaneously, ensuring accurate tracking while meeting safety constraints. The feasibility and stability of the proposed method are theoretically analyzed. Additionally, a body-fixed reference frame is introduced to reduce the capture angle. Simulation results show that the proposed strategy successfully captures the target and outperforms existing methods in both formation keeping and control efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics and Control of Space On-Orbit Operations)
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