Method and apparatus for singularity avoidance for control moment gyroscope (CMG) systems without using null motion

摘要

A method is described for avoiding gyroscopic singularities during attitude correction to a system, such as a spacecraft having a CMG array. The method receives a corrective torque vector μ and gimbal angle values δ for each of at least three gimbals within the CMG array. The method generates a Jacobian matrix A as a function of gimbal angle values δ. The method calculates a determinant D of Jacobian matrix A. If the determinant is not equal to zero, it is not singular, and the method calculates a gimbal rate {dot over (δ)} using a pseudo-inverse steering law equation. If the determinant is equal to zero, it is singular, and the method calculates a gimbal rate {dot over (δ)} using a singularity avoidance steering law equation. The gimbal rate {dot over (δ)} is output and can be applied to a CMG array resulting in applied torque to a spacecraft and attitude correction.