Periodic reconfiguration for geocentric gravitational wave observatory with 3+3 operational mode

Space-based gravitational wave detection requires high configuration stability to achieve precise interferometry measurement. Due to the complicated nonlinear dynamics environment, the feasible domain of stable configuration may be extremely small. To address this challenge and improve stability, this paper proposes a periodic reconfiguration strategy for geocentric gravitational wave observatory with 3+3 operational mode. First, a sequential optimization framework is developed combining long-term and window-specific optimization. The long-term optimization is used to provide better initial guess for the subsequent process. In the window-specific optimization, state transition tensors are employed to semi-analytically map stability indexes to the configuration state. The deviations between the current and desired configurations are then minimized via the proposed weight adaptive update rule. Next, a low thrust reconfiguration model is established based on the modified equinoctial elements. Using the optimized results, the fuel-optimal low thrust control law is solved via the sequential convex programming method. Finally, the proposed periodic reconfiguration strategy is applied to the TianQin with 3+3 operational mode. The impact of initial orbit errors on fuel consumption is discussed. Simulations show that following periodic reconfiguration, the stability indexes have decreased by 35%, and the feasible domain is expanded by up to twice. The research results could provide technical support for future geocentric gravitational wave detection missions with periodic observation windows.