Momentum transfer-based attitude control of spacecraft with backstepping

A nonlinear control law design based upon the backstepping approach is addressed for attitude maneuver control of spacecraft by momentum transfer (MT) in the presence of disturbance. For MT, a traditional method usually applies constant torque as an input, which tends to produce significant residual oscillation. Enhanced methods such as optimal control can somewhat reduce the residual oscillation, but may not be enough for minimum residual motion. Feedback linearization technique can drive the final nutation angle small enough, but it is rather sensitive to parameter uncertainty. The proposed method here takes advantage of nonlinear control approach with small steady-state nutation angle. Sensitivity about parameter uncertainties by feedback linearization can be reduced by the backstepping technique. Stability of the resulting control law is guaranteed by the Lyapunov stability theory. Boundedness of the control law is presented to validate practical merit of the proposed control law.