Model error sensitivity suppression: Quasi-static optimal control for flexible structures

Model Error Sensitivity Suppression (MESS) provides simultaneous solution for two control problems inherent to flexible spacecraft control: a dynamic problem-modal stabilization, and a static problem modal decoupling. The (MESS) algorithm is developed in simplified form to illustrate the decoupling properties of the alogirthm. An example is presented that highlights an interesting property of the algorithm; namely, the determination of the directions of the column vectors of the optimal gain matrix, a priori, before solution of the Riccati equation. Similar results hold for dual estimator design. These static decoupling properties of the algorithm allow reduced-order estimating and decentralized control.