Formation of an Optimal Scenario for Observations with an Orbital Space Telescope to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Abstract

We consider the optimization of the attitude control strategy for orbital telescopes in the vicinity of the Sun–Earth libration point L2 to minimize the propellant consumption of the motion control system. We analyze the changes in the mission profile that lead to a growth of the requirements for correcting maneuvers and propose the methods of their reduction by choosing an optimal space observatory positioning scenario. Our attention is focused on finding a balance between the reaction-wheel offloading of the attitude control system, the reduction of fuel consumption, and the fulfilment of the requirements for scientific observations. We show that applying the proposed approach allows one to increase the stability of the orbit and to prolong the active lifetime of the telescopes by reducing the frequency of corrections and rationally using the control impulses.