Singularity-Free Spacecraft Attitude Control Using Variable-Speed Control Moment Gyroscopes

TL;DR

This paper introduces a singularity-free spacecraft attitude control method using variable-speed control moment gyroscopes, employing a linear time-varying system approximation and model predictive control for robust, singularity-free operation.

Contribution

The paper proposes a novel operational concept for VSCMGs that eliminates singularities and enables effective control system design using MPC with robust pole assignment.

Findings

Control system is singularity-free.

Simulation confirms effectiveness of the proposed method.

Linear time-varying approximation simplifies complex nonlinear dynamics.

Abstract

This paper discusses spacecraft control using variable-speed CMGs. A new operational concept for VSCMGs is proposed. This new concept makes it possible to approximate the complex nonlinear system by a linear time-varying system (LTV). As a result, an effective control system design method, Model Predictive Control (MPC) using robust pole assignment, can be used to design the spacecraft control system using VSCMGs. A nice feature of this design is that the control system does not have any singular point. A design example is provided. The simulation result shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.