Some aerospace applications of estimation theory

In this report, the application of estimation theory to three problems from aerospace research is described. The applications considered deal with spacecraft attitude estimation, software reliability modelling and estimation, and with a satellite-based navigation algorithm. Maximum likelihood estimation is used in the software reliability case...

Towards digital computer simulation of the dynamics of flexible spacecraft

Software design for digital computer simulation of the dynamics of flexible spacecraft equipped with actuators and sensors, should take into account two properties of the overall system: (i) s.ampled-data control of the spacecraft leads to discontinuous inputs (forcing functions) in the differential equations of motion, thereby requiring...

Application of model following control and estimation techniques to attitude control of manoeuvring spacecraft Part I: Theory and simulation results

This document presents an approach to sampled data, on-board estimation and control of the attitude motion of manoeuvring spacecraft. Algorithms which are developed include: a - model following control of attitude manoeuvres b - estimation of spacecraft state (attitude, angular velocity, disturbance torque) c - optical-inertial attitude...

Digital filtering methods, with applications to satellite attitude determination in the presence of modelling errors. Part I: theory

The report reviews a number of digital filtering methods and gives examples of their application. The methods include batch processing methods and rec\irsive methods, not only in the classical formulations but also in square-root formulations. The latter formulations have the purpose to prevent certain numerical inconveniences. Much attention is...

In-orbit experiment with an attitude control algorithm for ANS based on modern control principles

The existing fine attitude system of the Astronomical Netherlands Satellite was designed on the basis of conventional digital control techniques. The possibility of a more advanced approach is presented in this report. As an example, an alternative control algorithm for the scan mode has been developed with the use of state estimation and state...