Abstract: A flight attitude planning algorithm is developed for low observable micro-satellite shields to enhance the on-orbit satellite’s survivability and operational effectiveness. According to the micro-satellite’s radar cross section (RCS), its orbit and radar threat characteristics, a planning mathematical model is established to find the optimal flight attitude in a long planning period of time. A novel linked-list individual structure and an evolutionary planning strategy are defined to reduce the planning computational complexity, and a special planning method is designed to enhance the planning performance when the micro-satellite travels through a high threat zone. At the same time, the algorithm converges quickly with limited iterative steps, and the planning precision and computational load can be adaptively controlled during the planning. These features make the planning algorithm available for different applications. In the simulation, the algorithm reduces the micro-satellite’s S-band and very high frequency (VHF)-band radar threat level obviously, and meets the needs of the low observable micro-satellite shield flight attitude planning.

Key words: attitude planning, micro-satellite, low observability, evolutionary strategy, radar cross section (RCS), detection probability