Globally asymptotic three-axis attitude control for a two-wheeled small satellite

• Published in: Acta astronautica 2019-04, Vol.157, p.17-28
• Main Author: Ousaloo, Hamed Shahmohamadi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Actuators; Algorithms; Angular momentum; Asymptotic properties; Attitude stability; Computer simulation; Control algorithms; Gas bearings; Hybrid control; Lyapunov control; Reaction wheel; Reaction wheels; Satellite attitude control; Satellite tracking; Satellites; Small satellites; Spacecraft; Spacecraft attitude control; Three axis stabilization; Three-axis simulator; Two-wheeled small satellite
• ISSN: 0094-5765; 1879-2030
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2018.11.055

This paper focuses on investigating and analyzing hybrid control strategies of onboard magnetic torque bars (MTs) and reaction wheels (RWs) for attitude stabilization on three-axis stabilized small satellites. The two reaction wheels are mounted on the spacecraft in three different configurations. The proposed attitude control algorithms in this study are based on Lyapunov design approach that almost globally and asymptotically stabilize the spacecraft attitude and this method is not restricted to zero angular momentum assumption that most existing two-wheeled control techniques exploit. Simulation and air bearing testing results presented in the paper demonstrate that the attitude control system can provide successful pointing and tracking in the presence of external disturbances and actuator constraints for a specified class of two-wheeled small satellite. •Three-Axis attitude control for a specified class of two-wheeled small satellite is presented.•Lyapunov design approach almost globally and asymptotically stabilize the spacecraft attitude.•The active control approaches are evaluated and proven on a three-axis simulator that duplicated spacecraft dynamics.•This method is not restricted to zero angular momentum assumption that most existing two-wheeled control techniques exploit.