Spacecraft formation flying control around L2 sun-earth libration point using on–off SDRE approach

In this paper, on–off SDRE control approach is presented for spacecraft formation flying control around sun-earth L2 libration point. Orbits around libration points are significant targets for many space missions mainly because of efficient fuel consumption. Furthermore, less propellant usage can be achieved by considering optimal control approaches in spacecraft formation flying control design. Among various nonlinear and optimal control methods, SDRE has shown to be a popular controller in various missions due to the privileges including efficiency, accuracy and robustness. The spacecraft are assumed to have on–off thrusters as actuators. It requires them to be fed with a sequence of on–off pulses which is regarded as a challenge for spacecraft designers. Hence, the main contribution of this paper is designing an on–off SDRE approach for the formation flight around sun-earth L2 point with uncertainty with energy and accuracy considerations. Including on–off input as a constraint is not feasible for SDRE implementation because it makes the system non-affine. An alternative is utilizing an integral action technique and an auxiliary control to make the system affine which leads to on–off SDRE approach. It has also been shown that the proposed method is robust against parametric uncertainties of the states. Present study aims to design an energy-beneficial, simple and attractive controller for a complex nonlinear system with on–off inputs and uncertainty in CRTBP. Simulation results show that the on–off SDRE control could provide the formation flight around L2 point with high accuracy using less energy consumption.     

Integrated orbit and attitude hardware-in-the-loop simulations for autonomous satellite formation flying

Development and experiment of an integrated orbit and attitude hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator for autonomous satellite formation flying are presented. The integrated simulator system consists of an orbit HIL simulator for orbit determination and control, and an attitude HIL simulator for attitude determination and control. The integrated simulator involves four processes (orbit determination, orbit control, attitude determination, and attitude control), which interact with each other in the same way as actual flight processes do. Orbit determination is conducted by a relative navigation algorithm using double-difference GPS measurements based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF). Orbit control is performed by a state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) technique that is utilized as a nonlinear controller for the formation control problem. Attitude is determined from an attitude heading reference system (AHRS) sensor, and a proportional-derivative (PD) feedback controller is used to control the attitude HIL simulator using three momentum wheel assemblies. Integrated orbit and attitude simulations are performed for a formation reconfiguration scenario. By performing the four processes adequately, the desired formation reconfiguration from a baseline of 500–1000 m was achieved with meter-level position error and millimeter-level relative position navigation. This HIL simulation demonstrates the performance of the integrated HIL simulator and the feasibility of the applied algorithms in a real-time environment. Furthermore, the integrated HIL simulator system developed in the current study can be used as a ground-based testing environment to reproduce possible actual satellite formation operations.     

基于网络同步的航天器编队飞行姿态控制方法

航天器编队飞行需要协同控制系统进行统一的协调管理,以实现协同工作。文章将网络同步控制理论应用于航天器编队飞行姿态控制,以提高航天器编队飞行姿态控制的协同性。首先,采用修正的罗德里格斯参数描述航天器姿态动力学;然后,基于网络同步控制算法,设计航天器编队飞行的非线性姿态协同控制律;考虑成员航天器间姿态变化的差异,采用混合控制技术,设计航天器编队飞行混合控制策略。仿真结果验证了控制方法和控制律的有效性,并且相比单一反馈机制,混合控制具有更好的控制品质。     

Finite-time relative orbit-attitude tracking control for multi-spacecraft with collision avoidance and changing network topologies

This paper addresses the relative position tracking and attitude synchronization control problem for spacecraft formation flying (SFF). Based on the derived relative coupled six-degree-of-freedom dynamics, a robust adaptive finite-time fast terminal sliding mode controller is proposed to achieve the desired formation in the presence of model uncertainties and external disturbances. It is shown that the designed controller is effective for changing information exchange topology making it robust to node failure. Then, the artificial potential function method is employed to generate collision avoidance schemes to modify the controller such that inter-agent collision avoidance can be ensured during the formation maneuver, which is critical for practical missions. The stability of the overall closed-loop system is proved by using Lyapunov theory. Finally, numerical examples for a given SFF scenario are presented to illustrate the performance of the controller.     

Hardware-in-the-loop simulations of GPS-based navigation and control for satellite formation flying

A relative navigation and formation control algorithm for satellite formation flying was developed, and a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation testbed was established and configured to evaluate this algorithm. The algorithm presented is a relative navigation estimation algorithm using double-difference carrier-phase and single-difference code measurements based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF). In addition, a state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) technique is utilized as a nonlinear controller for the formation control problem. The state-dependent coefficient (SDC) form is formulated to include nonlinearities in the relative dynamics. To evaluate the relative navigation and control algorithms developed, a closed-loop HIL testbed is configured. To demonstrate the performance of the testbed, a test formation flying scenario comprising formation acquisition and keeping in a low earth orbit (LEO) has been established. The relative navigation results from the closed-loop simulations show that a 3D RMS of 0.07 m can be achieved for position accuracy. The targeted leader–follower formation flying in the along-track separation of 100 m was maintained with a mean position error of approximately 0.2 m and a standard deviation of 0.9 m. The simulation results show that the HIL testbed is capable of successful demonstration of the GPS-based satellite autonomous formation flying mission.     

Robust optimal sliding mode control for the deployment of Coulomb spacecraft formation flying

Inter-spacecraft electrostatic force (Coulomb force) is desirable for close formation flying control because of its propellant-less and free contaminate characteristics attributed to the propellant exhaust emission. This paper presents robust optimal sliding mode control to deal with the problem of thruster saturation in tracking the formation trajectory for Coulomb spacecraft formation flying. The robust controller design is based on optimal control theory as a linear quadratic system, and it is augmented with an integral sliding mode control technique. The stability of the closed-loop system is guaranteed using the second Lyapunov method. The developed controller outperforms the existing ones, because it has a higher degree of fine-tuning to cope with the uncertainty. Numerical simulations are employed to confirm the efficiency of the developed controller.     

Multi-agent Q-Learning control of spacecraft formation flying reconfiguration trajectories

This paper presents a novel approach based on multi-agent reinforcement learning for spacecraft formation flying reconfiguration tracking problems. In this scheme, spacecrafts learn the control strategy via transfer learning. For this matter, a new generalized discounted value function is introduced for the tracking problems. Due to the digital nature of spacecraft computer systems, local optimal controllers are developed for the spacecrafts in discrete-time. The stability of the controller is proven. Two Q-learning algorithms are proposed, in each of which the optimal control solution is learned on-line without knowledge about the system dynamics. In the first algorithm, each agent learns the optimal control independently. In the second one, each agent shares the learned information with other agents. Next, the collision avoidance capability is provided. The effectiveness of the presented schemes is verified through simulations and compared with each other.     

基于预设性能控制的超紧密航天器编队防避撞协同控制

研究了考虑具有外界干扰和防避撞约束的近地轨道超紧密航天器构型控制问题,将反步控制技术、预设性能控制相结合,提出了一种基于预设性能鲁棒控制的六自由度编队协同鲁棒控制方法。首先,给出了近地轨道完整的编队航天器相对位置和相对姿态非线性动力学方程,并根据状态约束条件转换了相对位置动力学模型。其次,设计了预设性能函数,通过误差转换,建立系统等效误差模型,基于反步法设计了预设性能鲁棒控制器,进一步应用Lyapunov稳定性定理证明了其闭环系统的一致最终有界性。最后在MATLAB/Simulink平台上进行了仿真验证,结果表明了方法的有效性。     

基于观测器的平台无陀螺姿态复合控制

针对超静卫星星体平台无陀螺、载荷敏感器与星体平台执行机构非共基准安装时整星存在姿态异位控制问题,提出了一种基于观测器估计星体平台姿态的复合控制方法。首先,建立星体平台/Stewart平台/载荷的动力学模型,并获得Stewart平台作动器关节空间的等效动力学模型。针对关节空间等效模型,设计super twisting观测器,以作动器平动位移为输入,以载荷和星体平台之间的相对姿态和角速度为输出,实现星体平台姿态和角速度估计。其次,以载荷测量姿态信息为输入,设计Stewart作动器的积分滑模控制律,实现载荷高精度指向控制。以观测器估计的星体平台姿态信息为输入,设计星体平台控制器实现星体平台的稳定控制。Lyapunov稳定性分析表明所设计的观测器和控制器能够保证闭环系统渐近稳定。数学仿真结果表明：在星体平台有陀螺时,载荷能够实现0.1″指向精度;在星体平台无陀螺时,采用观测器估计星体平台姿态并进行控制,载荷亦可实现0.1″指向精度。     

基于非线性干扰观测器的航天器相对姿轨耦合控制

针对带挠性附件的服务航天器在近距离逼近失控目标航天器时的控制问题，考虑由于推进安装偏差导致的姿轨耦合，通过选用相对位置和相对姿态四元数作为状态向量，建立了服务航天器与失控目标航天器的相对位置和姿态动力学方程。考虑服务航天器的挠性附件影响，挠性振动可以视为位置和姿态控制系统微分有界的干扰。基于反馈线性化方法提出了非线性反馈控制律，设计了非线性干扰观测器，用于补偿可建模干扰，并基于所提非线性反馈控制律和非线性干扰观测器设计了复合控制器，其中非线性干扰观测器用于补偿挠性附件产生的干扰。数字仿真及半物理实物闭环验证表明，利用所设计的复合控制器能够有效补偿干扰，同时在对失控目标航天器跟踪时具有很好的鲁棒性。      

Convex optimisation approach to constrained fuel optimal control of spacecraft in close relative motion

This paper describes an interesting and powerful approach to the constrained fuel-optimal control of spacecraft in close relative motion. The proposed approach is well suited for problems under linear dynamic equations, therefore perfectly fitting to the case of spacecraft flying in close relative motion. If the solution of the optimisation is approximated as a polynomial with respect to the time variable, then the problem can be approached with a technique developed in the control engineering community, known as “Sum Of Squares” (SOS), and the constraints can be reduced to bounds on the polynomials. Such a technique allows rewriting polynomial bounding problems in the form of convex optimisation problems, at the cost of a certain amount of conservatism. The principles of the techniques are explained and some application related to spacecraft flying in close relative motion are shown.     

Optimal spacecraft formation establishment and reconfiguration propelled by the geomagnetic Lorentz force

The Lorentz force acting on an electrostatically charged spacecraft as it moves through the planetary magnetic field could be utilized as propellantless electromagnetic propulsion for orbital maneuvering, such as spacecraft formation establishment and formation reconfiguration. By assuming that the Earth’s magnetic field could be modeled as a tilted dipole located at the center of Earth that corotates with Earth, a dynamical model that describes the relative orbital motion of Lorentz spacecraft is developed. Based on the proposed dynamical model, the energy-optimal open-loop trajectories of control inputs, namely, the required specific charges of Lorentz spacecraft, for Lorentz-propelled spacecraft formation establishment or reconfiguration problems with both fixed and free final conditions constraints are derived via Gauss pseudospectral method. The effect of the magnetic dipole tilt angle on the optimal control inputs and the relative transfer trajectories for formation establishment or reconfiguration is also investigated by comparisons with the results derived from a nontilted dipole model. Furthermore, a closed-loop integral sliding mode controller is designed to guarantee the trajectory tracking in the presence of external disturbances and modeling errors. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved by a Lyapunov-based approach. Numerical simulations are presented to verify the validity of the proposed open-loop control methods and demonstrate the performance of the closed-loop controller. Also, the results indicate the dipole tilt angle should be considered when designing control strategies for Lorentz-propelled spacecraft formation establishment or reconfiguration.     

Concurrent image-based visual servoing with adaptive zooming for non-cooperative rendezvous maneuvers

An image-based servo controller for the guidance of a spacecraft during non-cooperative rendezvous is presented in this paper. The controller directly utilizes the visual features from image frames of a target spacecraft for computing both attitude and orbital maneuvers concurrently. The utilization of adaptive optics, such as zooming cameras, is also addressed through developing an invariant-image servo controller. The controller allows for performing rendezvous maneuvers independently from the adjustments of the camera focal length, improving the performance and versatility of maneuvers. The stability of the proposed control scheme is proven analytically in the invariant space, and its viability is explored through numerical simulations.     

Automatic orbital docking with tumbling target using sliding mode control

The present study aimed to propose translational and rotational control of a chaser spacecraft in the close vicinity docking phase with a target subjected to external disturbances. For this purpose, two sliding mode controls (SMC) are developed to coordinate the relative position and attitude of two spacecraft. The chaser is guided to the tumbling target by the relative position control, approaching in the direction of the target docking port. At the same moment, the relative attitude control coordinates the chaser attitude so that it can be aligned with the target orientation. These control systems regulate the relative translational and rotational velocities to be zero when two spacecraft are docking. The robustness of the closed-loop system in the presence of external disturbances, measurement noises and uncertainties is guaranteed by analyzing and calculating the control gains via the Lyapunov function. The simulations in different scenarios indicated the effectiveness of the controller scheme and precise maneuver regarding the accuracy of docking conditions.     

Adaptive sliding mode control of spacecraft attitude-orbit dynamics on SE(3)

In this paper, to solve the problem of parameters uncertainty in spacecraft tracking control, an adaptive controller based on sliding mode is proposed for the relative spacecraft attitude-orbit dynamics on the Lie group SE(3). The dynamic equations of relative attitude orbit error for two spacecraft are established in the framework of Lie group SE(3). Considering the uncertainty of spacecraft parameters, a formal decomposition of known and unknown parameters, the state variables and control variables is firstly made in the original system. An online estimator is designed to evaluate the unknown parameters. A sliding mode controller is developed to actuate the spacecraft to track the target spacecraft. Then a Lyapunov function of tracking error and parameters estimated error is designed to prove the stability of the closed-loop system. Finally, the simulation results and analysis are presented to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.     

Robust fault-tolerant saturated control for spacecraft proximity operations with actuator saturation and faults

In this paper, the motion control problem of autonomous spacecraft rendezvous and docking with a tumbling target in the presence of unknown model parameters, external disturbances, actuator saturation and faults is investigated. Firstly, a nonlinear six degree-of-freedom dynamics model is established to describe the relative motion of the chaser spacecraft with respect to the tumbling target. Subsequently, a robust fault-tolerant saturated control strategy with no precise knowledge of model parameters and external disturbances is proposed by combining the sliding mode control technique with an adaptive methodology. Then, within the Lyapunov framework, it is proved that the designed robust fault-tolerant controller can guarantee the relative position and attitude errors converge into small regions containing the origin. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategy.     

一种高超声速飞行器的非线性再入姿态控制方法

针对高超声速飞行器的再入非线性动力学模型,利用SDRE（state dependent Riccati equation）设计姿态控制器。基于奇异摄动理论,把姿态动力学分解成姿态角和姿态角速度跟踪内、外环回路,同时把非线性动力学伪线性化。每个跟踪回路用SDRE获得控制律,考虑到SDRE局部渐近稳定的特点,可以保证系统闭环稳定。最后设计高超声速飞行器飞行控制系统,并在高超声速条件下进行仿真,验证了该方案的有效性。     

Neural network-based sliding mode control for atmospheric-actuated spacecraft formation using switching strategy

This paper presents an adaptive neural networks-based control method for spacecraft formation with coupled translational and rotational dynamics using only aerodynamic forces. It is assumed that each spacecraft is equipped with several large flat plates. A coupled orbit-attitude dynamic model is considered based on the specific configuration of atmospheric-based actuators. For this model, a neural network-based adaptive sliding mode controller is implemented, accounting for system uncertainties and external perturbations. To avoid invalidation of the neural networks destroying stability of the system, a switching control strategy is proposed which combines an adaptive neural networks controller dominating in its active region and an adaptive sliding mode controller outside the neural active region. An optimal process is developed to determine the control commands for the plates system. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved by a Lyapunov-based method. Comparative results through numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of executing attitude control while maintaining the relative motion, and higher control accuracy can be achieved by using the proposed neural-based switching control scheme than using only adaptive sliding mode controller.     

Two degree-of-freedom spacecraft attitude controller

Two degree-of-freedom controller is designed together with its governing equations for a spacecraft pitch attitude control. The attitude controller incorporates the Active Force Control (AFC) technique into the conventional Proportional-Derivative (PD) controller based spacecraft pitch attitude loop. The PD-AFC attitude controller is then employed to enhance the attitude pointing of the Combined Energy and Attitude Control System (CEACS). Numerical treatments are performed to validate the effectiveness of AFC, whereby the CEACS attitude performance is analysed from its accuracy point of view. The results show that the PD-AFC attitude control performance is superiorly better than that of the solely conventional PD type.