Output details

A discrete-time observer design for spacecraft attitude determination using an orthogonality preserving algorithm

Significance of output:

This paper proposes a construction of nonlinear observer based on orthogonality preserving algorithm for rigid spacecraft. The observer allows reduce number of sensors, hence reducing cost and weight of the spacecraft. Application to an attitude control of a small satellite shows its capability to achieve significantly faster convergence compared to commonly used observers. This work applies a new approach on direct nonlinear sampled-data control design proposed in the authors’ earlier works that have been among main references used by researchers in the area. This paper is an outcome of EPSRC Portfolio Grant GR/S61256/01, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano and Imperial College.