Robust Constrained Attitude Control with Resource Optimal Actuator Management

Abstract

University of Texas Grant #: FA9453-15-1-0303 “Robust Constrained Attitude Control with Resource Optimal Actuator Management” Abstract The objective of this proposal is to develop a real-time convex optimization based methodology and onboard algorithms for constrained attitude control with optimal actuator utilization. Constrained attitude control involves both generating and tracking a compliant attitude trajectory. A challenging aspect of constrained attitude control problems lies in obtaining trajectories that conform to pointing constraints. Common pointing constraints are caused by sensitive sensors that must avoid the Sun or sensors that must be aimed at a target (e.g., pointing a sensor at another spacecraft for a rendezvous, or point a sensor at a surface feature during a flyby). Pointing constraints can also be derived from plume impingement concerns. In Formation Flying, Primitive Body Proximity Operations, and Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking, with application to on-orbit inspection, thruster plume impingement must be avoided on other spacecraft or on the science site. Furthermore, there are limitations on the amount of power, fuel, and torque that are available at any given time, that is, overall attitude controllability is constrained. Developing robust autonomous methods to achieve mission goals in the presence of the above constraints makes constrained attitude control a challenging problem, and the focus of the proposed research.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 18, 2016
Source ID
FA94531510303

Entities

People

  • Behçet Açıkmeşe

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory
  • United States Air Force
  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Operations Research
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers