Robustness analysis of the impulse orbit control method

Because of random errors, the station-keeping method for the spacecraft may fail to maintain its position. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the robustness of the control method. First, the orbit dynamic model is described by Gauss method. And then a control method with differential correction algorithm is developed to maintain the orbit. Finally, the robustness of the station-keeping strategy is analyzed by Monte Carlo simulation considering the orbit determination errors and the thrust error. Result shows that, generally, when the error goes large, the performance of orbit control goes bad. Particularly, the orbit determination error has larger influence on the semimajor axis whereas the thrust error affects the argument of perigee greater.