A novel three-axis attitude stabilization method using in-plane internal mass-shifting

摘要

This paper investigates the feasibility of using four movable masses distributed in a plane to realize three-axis attitude stabilization. With the proposed distribution and moving the paired masses in the same or opposite direction simultaneously, aerodynamic torque or internal momentum exchange torque is acted on the spacecraft. Then the spacecraft is gradually stabilized under a three-phase control strategy. Each of the three control phases is designed based on optimal control, nonlinear and sliding mode control, respectively. The stability of the proposed controller is given. Furthermore, numerical simulation matches the analytical results presented in this paper. Results show that three-axis attitude stabilization is possible using only in-plane movable masses which weigh less than 10 percent of spacecraft mass. Finally, the proposed control system can be a viable alternative for three-axis attitude stabilization of spacecraft orbiting in low Earth orbit. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.