Active control of flexible spacecraft in orbit based on partial differential equations

Abstract

Flexible spacecraft possess the ability to adapt to complex environments and use energy more efficiently, offering enhanced flexibility and stability in space missions, particularly in tasks with significant external disturbances such as deep space exploration and satellite attitude control. However, vibration suppression in flexible spacecraft remains a critical challenge. This study addresses the problem of vibration suppression in flexible spacecraft systems under external disturbances and input constraints. First, a partial differential equation (PDE) with boundary initial conditions is derived using Hamilton’s principle, accurately describing the dynamic characteristics of the flexible structure. A backstepping controller based on the Nassbaum function and a disturbance observer is then designed to ensure system stability in the presence of input constraints and external disturbances. A Lyapunov function is constructed, and appropriate control parameters are selected to further guarantee system stability. Numerical simulations confirm the superiority of the proposed control method, with results showing an 80% reduction in settling time and a 94% decrease in peak overshoot compared to conventional PD control. The proposed scheme significantly enhances the performance and stability of flexible spacecraft systems, demonstrating its potential for improving spacecraft dynamics in challenging space environments.