Output details

Application of discrete time sliding mode control to a spacecraft in 6DoF with parameter identification

The work reported in this paper builds on a collaboration with the ESTEC Advanced Concepts Team on formation flying, which will be demonstrated by ESA’s Proba-3 mission, the world’s first precision formation flying mission (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Technology/Proba_Missions/About_Proba-3), due to be launched in 2017. The paper specifically developed practically important control methods with large sampling times and low computer resources. This allowed for the simultaneous control of attitude and position of spacecraft using thrusters, an important problem for ESA (contact: Dr C Bramanti, ESA Technical Officer).