Robust Trajectory Tracking in Satellite Time-Varying Formation Flying

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Control Systems Theory
• Robotics

Background:

• Satellite formation flying requires precise control to maintain desired spatial arrangements.
• External disturbances and system uncertainties challenge robust formation maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust time-varying formation control strategy for satellite groups.
• To achieve satellite attitude consensus and desired formation patterns despite nonlinearities and perturbations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized static state feedback control strategy.
• Incorporated disturbance estimation theory for robustness.
• Designed a formation flying controller for satellite dynamics.

Main Results:

• The proposed controller ensures trajectory and attitude tracking errors converge in finite time.
• Demonstrated robustness against nonlinearities, parametric perturbations, and external disturbances.
• Numerical simulations validated the controller's effectiveness and advantages.

Conclusions:

• The developed controller enables robust and accurate time-varying formation flying for satellite groups.
• Achieved satellite attitude consensus, crucial for coordinated space missions.
• The approach offers a reliable solution for complex satellite formation control challenges.