
Missions including close-proximity operations and docking (CPOD) as well as in-orbit servicing are redefining the capabilities of small spacecraft. As a result, attitude and orbit control systems (AOCS) requirements have evolved to include not only attitude maintenance, but also 6-DoF translation and rotation. Cold-gas thruster arrays are key to these capabilities, but optimising their design for sustained as well as impulsive performance while maintaining redundancy cannot be addressed by existing impulsive-centric methods. In this work, we present a coupled analytical and simulation design framework for defining thruster configurations while imposing deterministic redundancy. Established convex geometry methods for fault-tolerant design are reformulated to always ensure sufficient control authority, dictated by close-proximity operations and docking capability. A modular simulation stack allows for the inclusion of a Reinforcement Learning policy as a CPOD guidance module and of effects such as valve transients and small-scale nozzle efficiency. An optimised thruster layout is obtained using a genetic algorithm and verified for a rendezvous and servicing mission, representing an in-orbit servicing demonstration of WEP The observed 15.7% reduction in thruster on-time is contextualised against typical performance drivers in cold-gas AOCS design. This work establishes a baseline for AOCS hardware development within the Ice2Thrust EIC Pathfinder project. Ice2Thrust proposes WEP as a non-toxic, high-performance, and refillable alternative to conventional propulsion systems. By integrating redundancy and realistic system dynamics early in the design process, the present approach contributes to a system that is robust and prepared for mission extension applications.
space propulsion, spaceflight, water electrolysis propulsion, green propulsion, life support systems
space propulsion, spaceflight, water electrolysis propulsion, green propulsion, life support systems
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