Nonlinear Six-Degree-of-Freedom Control for Flexible Spacecraft

Abstract A nonlinear six-degree-of-freedom control algorithm for flexible spacecraft has been developed. This algorithm consists of switching curves and control laws based on a sliding-mode control scheme. It can achieve both system stability and minimum fuel consumption simultaneously. The performance of the algorithm is assessed for the final-descent phase of MUSES-C spacecraft, and compared with that of a conventional control algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can improve total fuel consumption and time required for descending from the initial position to the surface of the asteroid.