Attitude Control of Satellites with Flexible Appendages Using Inverse Simulation

Gordon, R., Ceriotti, M. and Worrall, K. (2022) Attitude Control of Satellites with Flexible Appendages Using Inverse Simulation. In: 73rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Paris, France, 18-22 Sept 2022, (Accepted for Publication)

Abstract

Many satellites include flexible deploy-able appendages and structures as a method of increasing mission capability with reduced form factors. Consideration of the additional flexible dynamics is important in the design of suitable attitude control methods. This paper will explore the novel use of inverse simulation (InvSim) techniques as a methodology to solve the flexible satellite attitude dynamics, and the practicality of implementing it as a real-time attitude control method. A simple, but accurate, and computationally efficient mathematical model will be developed, describing the dynamics of a rigid body satellite with an arbitrary number of flexible appendages mounted to it. The InvSim algorithm is fully described and several test cases will show flexibility of the method for satellites with different actuator configurations. A hybrid control method is then developed, comprising an InvSim offline feed-forward element and an online proportional-derivative (PD) feedback control element. This hybrid controller aims to make use of the superior tracking performance of InvSim while introducing feedback in order to add robustness to model uncertainty and disturbances. The performance of this control system, in terms of tracking error and total control effort, will be compared to a traditional PD controller in the presence of model uncertainty and disturbances, through Monte-Carlo simulations. Additional benefits of InvSim in terms of its practical use during the design process of a flexible satellite will also be explored.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Accepted for Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Worrall, Dr Kevin and Gordon, Robbie and Ceriotti, Dr Matteo
• Authors: Gordon, R., Ceriotti, M., and Worrall, K.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• ISSN: 0074-1795
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 by Mr. Robert Gordon
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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