Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning Strategy for Multi-Spacecraft Long-Distance Orbital Game

DI Peng; YIN Zengshan; LIN Zheng; YAO Ye

doi:10.11999/JEIT251384

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DI Peng, YIN Zengshan, LIN Zheng, YAO Ye. Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning Strategy for Multi-Spacecraft Long-Distance Orbital Game[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology. doi: 10.11999/JEIT251384

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DI Peng, YIN Zengshan, LIN Zheng, YAO Ye. Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning Strategy for Multi-Spacecraft Long-Distance Orbital Game[J]. Journal of Electronics & Information Technology. doi: 10.11999/JEIT251384

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Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning Strategy for Multi-Spacecraft Long-Distance Orbital Game

doi: 10.11999/JEIT251384 cstr: 32379.14.JEIT251384

DI Peng^{1, 2},
YIN Zengshan^{1, 2
,
,},
LIN Zheng^{1, 2},
YAO Ye^{1, 2}

1.
Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of CAS, Shanghai 201304, China
2.
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

Accepted Date: 2026-03-16
Rev Recd Date: 2026-03-16

Available Online: 2026-04-15

Abstract

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel research scenario for multi-spacecraft Orbital Pursuit-Evasion Game (OPEG), which has not yet been systematically studied. To enhance the decision-making capabilities of spacecraft and enable them to formulate more robust policies in complex multi-agent games, this paper proposes a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning algorithm based on a progressive adversarial training framework to solve the game policies of each spacecraft. Two sets of examples with different orbital characteristics and various simulation conditions were set up for simulation verification, and behavioral deviation analysis is conducted to verify the robustness of the policy. The impact of different orbital characteristics, simulation conditions, and behavioral deviations on the game policy was analyzed. Simulation results show that the proposed method enables each spacecraft to formulate an effective game policy that satisfies all set constraints and has good robustness. Objective As the space environment becomes increasingly complex, space security has become a hot research area. The existence of a large amount of space debris and failed spacecraft poses a serious threat to high-value spacecraft in orbit. Therefore, the study of Orbital Pursuit-Evasion Game (OPEG) for non-cooperative target spacecraft has attracted widespread attention. Existing research focuses on OPEG for two spacecraft, but less on OPEG for multiple spacecraft. When there are more than two players in the game, zero-sum game design is not feasible, and it is difficult to solve using traditional methods. Furthermore, existing research ignores engineering dynamic constraints and simplifies or defines the dynamics as a two-dimensional scene when modeling the problem, which can cause considerable errors. To overcome the limitations of existing spacecraft game scenarios, this paper proposes a novel multi-spacecraft OPEG research scenario. The aim is to investigate the application of the MADRL algorithm in solving the approximate steady-state policies of each spacecraft in long-distance multi-spacecraft OPEG, highlighting the significant advantages of the MADRL algorithm in solving multi-spacecraft OPEG, and providing a feasible solution for truly realizing autonomous multi-spacecraft game play in the future. Methods The Multi-Agent Proximal Policy Optimization (MAPPO) algorithm based on the Progressive Adversarial Training Framework (PATF) is used to solve the optimal game policy for each spacecraft in the Multi-Spacecraft OPEG. First, a multi-constrained multi-spacecraft OPEG model is established based on actual engineering constraints, and the problem is transformed into a Decentralized Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (Dec-POMDPs). Secondly, in order to improve the decision-making ability of agents in complex multi-agent game environments and formulate more robust game policies, a novel PATF is introduced, with different reward functions designed for the specific missions of each spacecraft. Finally, two sets of simulation examples with different orbital characteristics were set up, and four different simulation conditions were set up for simulation and behavioral deviation analysis was performed. Results and Discussions The MAPPO algorithm based on the PATF proposed in this paper is compared with the original MAPPO (Fig. 3). The results show that the proposed method can learn effective policies more quickly, reduce ineffective exploration, and achieve a higher final convergence reward value with less fluctuation in the reward curve. This also demonstrates that the PATF can significantly enhance the decision-making ability of agents, enabling them to formulate robust policies more effectively. Simulation verification was performed using two sets of examples in four different settings (Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7). Simulation results (Tables 3 and 4) show that the proposed method performs well in both sets of examples. Furthermore, it was verified that when the pursuer and the interceptor are on the same orbital plane, the pursuer is more likely to be intercepted. When the interceptor and the target are not on the same orbital plane, the interceptor has a relatively easier time carrying out the interception mission. This paper also analyzes the situation where both sides of the game have behavioral biases, and models this by adding control noise. Simulation results (Tables 5 and 6) show that both sides adopt relatively conservative policies to counter the control noise. The game policy formulated by the method in this paper is an approximate steady-state policy. Behavioral deviations will lead to a decrease in one’s own payoff and an increase in the opponent's payoff, and the game policy has good robustness. Conclusions The method proposed in this paper can be well applied to solving the long-distance OPEG problem involving multiple spacecraft in non-coplanar elliptical orbits, enabling each spacecraft to formulate excellent game policies. The PATF facilitates better decision-making by the spacecraft in complex multi-spacecraft dynamic systems, with robust control policies developed by the pursuer and interceptors. The results also demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the reward function design. Through two sets of examples and simulation results with different settings, the impact on the policies of both parties when the pursuer and interceptor have different orbital characteristics is analyzed. When interceptors have different maximum thrusts, the decision-making of each spacecraft changes accordingly. The behavior deviation analysis proves that the game policies of each spacecraft have good robustness. When one party’s behavior deviates, the approximate steady-state policy balance will change, resulting in a decrease in its own benefits and an increase in the other party’s benefits. The research scenario formulated in this paper expands the scope of existing research on multi-spacecraft game problems.

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References(24)

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