This paper proposes relative trajectory designing methods for spacecraft in orbit using the concept of virtual potential field. The potential field is neither a real one, such as gravitational field, nor an arbitrary one without restraint, but the one derived from relative motion equations known as the Hill's equations. This concept allows us to express the relative motion of satellites with a new set of parameters, leading to easy understanding of the relative motion. Potential field principle

more »

... is attractive because of its simplicity, which allows us to intuitively reach simple and effective control methods for either single or multiple satellites. In the following part, the basics of the virtual potential field concept are presented as well as some results of applying the methods to relative trajectory designing.