Steering Algorithm of Single Gimbal Control Moment Gyroscopes: A Practical Application for Agile Spacecraft

Future space platforms, such as next-generation Earth imaging and missile-tracking satellites, require rapid rotational maneuverability. Currently, most European satellites use reaction wheels as momentum exchange device for their Attitude Control System. However, reaction wheels do not produce enough torque to meet the high slew rate...

Robust Nonlinear Spacecraft Attitude Control: An Incremental Backstepping Approach

In order to meet requirements in terms of robustness, stability, and performance for future generations of advanced attitude control systems, a sensor-based approach using Incremental Backstepping control is developed and proposed in this thesis. Assuming full state availability and fast control action, the resulting time-scale separation...

Robust and Adaptive Nonlinear Attitude Control of a Spacacraft: A Comparison of Backstepping-based Designs

In the context of the initiative Formation for Atmospheric Science and Technology demonstration (FAST), this dissertation describes the design and comparison of several nonlinear attitude controllers for TU Delft’s micro-satellite. The control requirements include robustness against model uncertainties and disturbances. To this end, Backstepping...