Satellite formation flying

[1] Coordinating smaller satellites has many benefits over single satellites including simpler designs, faster build times, cheaper replacement creating higher redundancy, unprecedented high resolution, and the ability to view research targets from multiple angles or at multiple times.

These qualities make them ideal for astronomy, communications, meteorology, and environmental uses.

Magnetosheric Constellation, for instance, would be composed of 100 micro satellites.

With an onboard computer and this algorithm, satellites may autonomously position themselves into a formation.

Previously, ground control would have to adjust each satellite to maintain formations.