Skip to main content
Article
Multiple Spacecraft Formation Control with Θ-D Method
IET Control Theory & Applications
  • S. N. Balakrishnan, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Henry J. Pernicka, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Ming Xin
Abstract

Formation control of multiple spacecraft flying in deep space about the L2 libration point is investigated. Dynamics of the spacecraft is formulated as a circular restricted three-body problem with Sun and Earth as the two primaries. A virtual structure (VS) concept is used as a framework for multiple spacecraft formation in which the centre of the virtual rigid body is assumed to follow a nominal orbit around the L2 libration point. Control is applied to each individual spacecraft so as to keep a constant relative distance from the centre of the vs. The relative formation dynamics is nonlinear and control of this system is carried out using a relatively new suboptimal control technique called as theta-D technique. The theta-D method provides approximate analytical solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation. As it is a feedback control and in a closed form, it is implementable. Simulation results demonstrate that this controller is able to provide millimeter level formation flying accuracy.

Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
  • Multiple Spacecraft Formation Control,
  • Relative Formation Dynamics,
  • Theta-D Method,
  • Virtual Structure Concept
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2007 the Institution of Engineering and Technology (The IET), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
1-1-2007
Publication Date
01 Jan 2007
Citation Information
S. N. Balakrishnan, Henry J. Pernicka and Ming Xin. "Multiple Spacecraft Formation Control with Θ-D Method" IET Control Theory & Applications (2007)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/henry-pernicka/37/