L2 Earth atmosphere observatory : formation guidance, metrology and control synthesis

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the overall system architecture of a revolutionary Earth Atmosphere Observatory Formation concept, and analyze the sensing, guidance, actuation, and precision control methods for the formation of two spacecraft in orbit in the neighborhood of the Sun-Earth L2 (Lagrange) point, and station-keeping on the Sun-Earth line at approximately 1.5 million kilometers from the Earth, to observe the Earth in continuous occultation of the sun.