Formation Flying
Formation flying is a technique used in space and astronautical engineering where multiple spacecraft fly in a precise formation, maintaining a specific distance and relative position to each other. This technique is used for a variety of purposes, including scientific observations, communication relay, and formation flying technology demonstration. Formation flying requires precise control of the spacecraft's position and velocity, which is achieved through a combination of onboard sensors, communication systems, and propulsion systems. The spacecraft must also be designed to withstand the dynamic forces and thermal loads associated with flying in close proximity to other spacecraft. Formation flying has been used in a number of space missions, including the European Space Agency's Cluster mission, which studied the Earth's magnetosphere, and NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission, which measured the Earth's gravity field.
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