Abstract—In this paper a model of a hypothetical flexible spacecraft that resembles French multi mission satellite SPOT is selected. This model represents a multivariable system that is difficult to control due to strong cross couplings. In order to get a good insight, initially analysis of the model is carried out from the perspective of control design challenge peculiar to this system. Later a systematic multivariable robust controller is designed based on H Loop Shaping Design Procedure. The designed controller is able to stabilize the overall system but is unable to minimize oscillations in structure that cause fine pointing issues. To remove the problem of small amplitude oscillations for this design, input command shaping technique is applied that is able to effectively minimize oscillations. Finally, robustness and performance of the designed controller is demonstrated through numerical simulations.

Index Terms—Command shaping, flexibility, robust control, spacecraft, loop shaping design

Cite: Waseem A. Butt, "Command Shaped Robust Control of a Flexible Spacecraft," Journal of Automation and Control Engineering, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 1-8, June, 2018. doi: 10.18178/joace.6.1.1-8