Control of non-cooperative spacecraft in final phase proximity operations under input constraints

Abstract This paper addresses the approaching trajectory control problem for the final phase of non-cooperative spacecraft proximity operations in the presence of disturbances and even input saturation. As a stepping stone, a novel line-of-sight tracking model is developed to describe attitude maneuver towards the target in the proximity. Then, a two-stage artificial potential function is employed to enable the pursuer spacecraft to comply the safety trajectory during approaching the target. In each stage, gradients of potential function are analyzed and the local minimum problem associated with potential function can be addressed. Furthermore, a saturated control law is proposed to ensure a reliable real-time tracking measurement of the target, and the controller rigorously enforces safe path and actuator magnitude constraints. The associated stability proof is accomplished through Lyapunov method. Simulations are carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

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