Comparison of relative motion models for spacecraft formation flying

The paper presents a brief overview of the models of satellites relative motion, using relative coordinates to describe the position. We compare the accuracy of cartesian and curvilinear coordinates in linear motion models. It is shown that the use of curvilinear coordinates allows to increase the accuracy of linear model of motion, especially for large relative orbits. The result is presented in a scope of Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire and Schweighart-Sedwick models of motion.