Dynamic path planning and trajectory tracking using MPC for satellite with collision avoidance

This paper proposes a dynamic path planning and trajectory tracking algorithm for an autonomous satellite, released from the space station, to get to the desired position for performing space tasks. The complex construction of the space station results in the presence of a geometric channel constraint for the obstacles avoidance. In addition, a three dimension B-spline template with minimizing the curvature of the path is designed, which could guarantee the continuity of the curvature to make the trajectory smooth and avoid the satellite from stopping at discontinuities waypoints. Then, the reference states and inputs are solved by a new projection method, which provides a foundation for the subsequent trajectory tracking. Subsequently, a finite horizon model predictive control method is constructed for the path tracking. The benefits of this approach are to take constraints into consideration, and to get optimal performance by minimizing the fuel consumption compared with other tracking controllers. The closed-loop stability is guaranteed by the feedback controller, terminal penalty, and a newly terminal constraint set. In simulation experiments, results illustrate the effectiveness and practicality of the algorithm.