FIELD: astronautics.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to spacecraft (SC) flight observation and tracking devices and can be used for autonomous control of spacecraft formation. According to the method, receiving and transmitting radio devices, emitters and receivers of optical signals are installed on spacecraft. Position-sensitive receiver of optical signals of the master spacecraft is made in the form of a set of flat detectors located on the surface of a spherical shell. Laser emitters of driven spacecraft are directed to position-sensitive receiver of master spacecraft. Relative motion and position of the driven spacecraft in the formation are controlled based on the readings of the optical radiation signals received on the master spacecraft and simultaneously reflected from the surface of the flat detectors and received on the driven spacecraft. Distance between the master spacecraft and the driven spacecraft is corrected by the radio commands of the master spacecraft until the required characteristics of the formation are achieved. Flat detectors are made in form of mutually contacting trapezoids arranged in series along latitudinal and meridian lines on surface of spherical shell.
EFFECT: higher accuracy of spacecraft formation control.
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