Multi-objective integrated robust H∞ control for attitude tracking of a flexible spacecraft.

Abstract This paper investigates the multi-objective attitude tracking problem of a flexible spacecraft in the presence of disturbances, parameter uncertainties and imprecise collocation of sensors and actuators. An integrated robust H∞ controller, including an output feedback component and a feedforward component, is proposed, and its gains are calculated by solving Linear Matrix Inequalities. The output feedback component stabilizes the integrated control system while the feedforward component can drive the attitude motion to track the desired angles. The system robustness against disturbances, parameter uncertainties and imprecise collocation is addressed by the H∞ approach and convex optimization. Numerical simulations are finally provided to assess the performance of the proposed controller. Highlights • The attitude tracking control of flexible spacecraft is a multi-objective problem. • An integrated robust H∞ controller is proposed to perform attitude tracking. • The proposed controller is robust to imprecise collocation of sensors and actuators. • The system robustness is addressed by the H∞ approach and convex optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]