Deployment and control of spacecraft formation via Lyapunov functions

Radice, G. and Biamonti, D. (2008) Deployment and control of spacecraft formation via Lyapunov functions. In: Sivasundaram, S. (ed.) Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Aerospace and Sciences. Cambridge Scientific Publishers. ISBN 1904868637

Abstract

Space mission concepts, based on satellite formations, feature several interesting and challenging design requirements, such as flexibility and autonomy of the controlling architecture. During formation deployment, resizing and reorientation, the spacecraft must reach their desired positions without incurring in collisions or interfering with each other. The degree of flexibility, the accuracy in the relative position and attitude required cannot be supported by conventional GNC algorithms. The potential function methods, based on Lyapunov’s second theorem on stability, have robust and flexible advantage, along with light workload for the control system. The aim of this study is to foster the understanding of the applicability of the potential function method and to improve the performance of existing algorithms based on this method. In particular, the attention is focused on reducing the fuel consumption through the optimisation of the parameters involved. Anovel magnitude expression and a totally new direction control are the most significant results of this work.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Keywords: Lyapunov method, potential functions, spacecraft formation
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Radice, Dr Gianmarco
• Authors: Radice, G., and Biamonti, D.
• Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• Research Group: Space Advanced Research Team
• Publisher: Cambridge Scientific Publishers
• ISBN: 1904868637