A Study of Linear vs. Nonlinear Control Techniques for the Reconfiguration of Satellite Formations

Abstract

This thesis investigates several linear and nonlinear feedback control methods for satellite formation reconfigurations and compares them to a near optimal open loop, discrete-time, impulsive maneuver. The reconfigurations are done in terms of a set of relative parameters that define an orbit about the leader satellite (or center reference position if a leader satellite does not exist at the center of the formation). The purpose of the study is two-fold, to compare the control usage of continuous feedback control methods versus a discrete bum method and to determine if nonlinear control techniques offer significant improvement over more conventional linear control laws. Linear Quadratic Regulators (LQR), LQR with linearizing feedback, State Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) and sliding mode controllers are considered. Simulations showed that reconfigurations for small relative orbits were adequately controlled using linear techniques.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA390156

Entities

People

  • David J. Irvin

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Angular Momentum
  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Estimators
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Orbital Elements
  • Perigees
  • Riccati Equation
  • Simulations
  • Spacecraft
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar
  • Transfer Orbits

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers