Output feedback variable structure adaptive control of a flexible spacecraft

Abstract Based on the variable structure model reference adaptive control theory, a new control system for the control of an orbiting flexible spacecraft, using output feedback, is designed. The spacecraft consists of a main rigid body to which elastic appendages are attached. For the purpose of control, a moment generating device is located on the rigid hub. For the derivation of control law, it is assumed that the parameters and the structure of the nonlinear functions in the model are unknown. It is shown that in the closed-loop system including the variable structure model reference adaptive control system designed using bounds on uncertain functions, the pitch angle tracks given reference trajectory and the vibration is suppressed. Digital simulation results show that the closed-loop system has good transient behavior and robustness to the uncertainties, unmodeled dynamics, and disturbance inputs.