Dynamics and Control of Tethered Antennas/Reflectors in Orbit
Abstract
A study is conducted of the dynamics and control of a class of large antenna/reflector systems in orbit which are also partially stabilized using a tether-connected subsatellite. The system equations of motion are developed and linearized about the equilibrium position where the reflector's (shell's) symmetry axis nominally follows the local vertical. The shell roll, yaw, tether out-of-plane swing motion and out-of-plane elastic vibrations are decoupled from the shell and tether in-plane pitch motions and in-plane elastic vibrations. The in-plane motion of the system could be asymptotically stable based on Rupp's tether tension control law using only length and length rate information. However, the transient responses can be improved significantly by using an optimal tension feedback control law. When tether flexibility is included, the system dynamics could be further improved by including the state feedback of the tether vibrational modes into the tension control law. Keywords: Dynamics and control, Orbiting reflector/antenna systems, Vibration suppression.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA219316
Entities
People
- Peter M. Bainum
Organizations
- Howard University