METHOD FOR MAINTENANCE OF ORBITAL GROUPING OF AUTOMATIC SPACECRAFTS Russian patent published in 2018 - IPC B64G1/00 B64G1/10 B64G1/64 

FIELD: astronautics.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the operation of a grouping, preferably automatic spacecraft (SC). According to the method, a target SC, intended for replacement of a non-operated spacecraft (NOSC), and a service SC are completed on the Earth. With the carrier rocket and the accelerating unit, these SCs are placed into the orbit of the NOSC, placing them in the vicinity of the operating point of this orbit and supporting the information link between them. Separate the service SC, determine the parameters of the rotation of the NOSC with the help of equipment for monitoring the service and/or target SC, capture the NOSC and withdraw from orbit with the means of the service SC. When transferring the NOSC to a lower orbit, the service and target SCs are placed in front of the NOSC when they are withdrawn, and when the NOSC is transferred to a higher orbit, it is behind the NOSC.

EFFECT: increase the effectiveness of joint solutions to the maintenance of the composition of the orbital constellation and the removal of space debris (NOSC known design).

3 cl, 2 dwg