Attitude control of satellites equipped with three reaction wheels using an H2/H∞ switching model predictive control scheme over a wide range of operating points
Document Type : Original Article
Author
Assistant Professor, Iran Space Research Center
10.22034/jssta.2025.491857.1218
Abstract
This paper presents a simultaneous attitude control scheme for satellites equipped with reaction wheel actuators, utilizing an H2/H∞ model predictive approach within a switched systems framework. The satellite’s nonlinear attitude dynamics are decomposed into multiple linear sub-dynamics, each representing specific operating points. A switching law governs the activation of these sub-dynamics, enabling the system to leverage simpler linear models instead of directly addressing the complexity of the nonlinear dynamics. This approach also facilitates rapid attitude maneuvers, characteristic of switched systems. Control laws are designed for each sub-dynamic to ensure accurate tracking across a wide range of operating conditions, thereby enhancing both pointing accuracy and maneuvering speed. The proposed scheme addresses the H2 optimization problem to guarantee closed-loop stability while satisfying satellite energy constraints. Additionally, it incorporates the H∞ criterion to mitigate disturbances and improve robustness. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is validated through simulations on a representative satellite model, demonstrating its capability to achieve high-performance attitude control under varying operational scenarios.
Keywords
Subjects
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Volume 5, Issue 2
March 2026Pages 54-74
- Receive Date 02 December 2024
- Revise Date 13 April 2025
- Accept Date 13 July 2025