Pseudospectral Optimal Control: Hidden Properties and Flight Results

Abstract

The main goal of this joint project between the Naval Postgraduate School and the University of California, Santa Cruz, was to analyze the mathematical proprieties of pseudospectral (PS) optimal control theory. The secondary goal of our project was to exploit the new properties to develop or enhance computationally efficient control algorithms. These goals were motivated by a need to generate real-time solutions to constrained nonlinear control problems that plays a central role in low-cost operations of high-performance space systems. In this project, we developed a general framework for PS optimal control theory based on discretization over an arbitrary (i.e. non-Gaussian) grid. Our analysis on dual consistency revealed some hidden properties of PS methods; and led to a new PS scheme utilizing primal-only conditions. These new developments enhance the algorithmic efficiency that is crucial for real-time applications. During this research period, we also got an opportunity to apply our ideas to the time-optimal reorientation of a NASA spacecraft in orbit; and performed a historic command and control of the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) space telescope.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 30, 2011
Accession Number
ADA577179

Entities

People

  • I. M. Ross
  • Qi Gong
  • Wei Kang

Organizations

  • University of California, Santa Cruz

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Algorithms
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Chebyshev Polynomials
  • Command And Control
  • Computations
  • Consistency
  • Control Systems
  • Control Theory
  • Equations
  • Equations Of State
  • Guidance
  • Orbits
  • Polynomials
  • Scientific Research
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Neurological Diseases/Conditions/Disorders
  • Research Science/Academic Research

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers