Feedback control laws are derived for a class of optimal finite time tracking problems with terminal constraints. Analytical solutions are obtained for the feedback gain and the closed-loop response trajectory. Such formulations are expressed in recursive forms so that a real-time computer implementation becomes feasible. An example involving the feedback slewing of a flexible spacecraft is giv...

Characterization and implementation of efficient rotational motions of flexible spacecraft have been of research interest for more than twenty years. In the present study we consider rest-to-rest pointing maneuvers for a very large spacecraft, so that limits on available angular momentum are paramount. A formal system of differential equations is developed based on a model that includes a rigid...

This paper deals with the problem of simultaneous vibration suppression and robust attitude control of orbiting spacecraft with flexible appendages. Based on integral variable structure control theory, a discontinuous attitude control law is firstly derived to achieve the desired position of the spacecraft, taking explicitly into account external disturbance and nonlinearity. To reconstruct est...

On the other hand, developing and testing Proposed missions to explore comets and moons will encounter environments that are hostile and unpredictable. Any successful explorer must be able to adapt to a wide range of possible operating conditions in order to survive. The traditional approach of constructing special-purpose control methods would require a information about the environment, which...

The use of embedded current loops for the attitude control large, flexible spacecraft is investigated. Length-scaling laws are derived by determining what fraction a planar spacecraft’s mass would need to be allocated conductive in order produce torque at least as large gravity gradient torque. Simulations then performed truss structure, modelled spring–mass system, range structural flexibiliti...

ISSN 0738-4602 n The challenging timeline for DARPA’s Orbital Express mission demanded a flexible, responsive, and (above all) safe approach to mission planning. Mission planning for space is challenging because of the mixture of goals and constraints. Every space mission tries to squeeze all of the capacity possible out of the spacecraft. For Orbital Express, this means performing as many expe...