Experiments for Control of Large Space Structures

Abstract Recent progress in the area of control experiments for large space structures is reviewed. Topics include large angle slewing of a flexible panel and the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE). In large angle slewing, experiments on a flexible solar panel model are discussed. Experimental results for slewing control in air and in vacuum are presented to illustrate the effect of air drag on the controller design. In SCOLE, the design of laboratory apparatus will be discussed. The status of research activities oriented primarily to the improvement of analysis capabilities through testing is presented