Nonlinear and Adaptive Control of Flexible Space Structures

This paper addresses design of nonlinear control systems for rapid, large angle multiaxis, slewing and LOS pointing of realistic flexible space structures. The application of methods based on adaptive feedback linearization for nonlinear control design for flexible space structures is presented. A comprehensive approach to modeling the nonlinear dynamics and attitude control of multibody systems with structural flexure is considered. Adaptive feedback linearizing control laws are described based on Lagrangian dynamical system model for the spacecraft. Simulation results for attitude slewing and LOS stabilization for the NASA/IEEE Spacecraft COntrols Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) design challenge are presented.