Thruster actuation algorithms for scientific space missions

Paper number

IAC-05-C1.P.10

Author

Mr. Daniel Bindel, ZARM - University of Bremen, Germany

Year

2005

Abstract

Research in fundamental physics or formation flying of multibody space telescopes require a very accurate attitude and position control system. Beside the type and amount of sensors and the design of the 
controller, the thruster actuation algorithm is an important part of the control system design for those spacecrafts. 

Typically the thrusters are arranged in a specific configuration so that every unit acts simultaneously on multiple degrees of freedom of the satellite. Therefore a thruster failure can be compensated by another unit - so the actuation system is overdetermined. The controller for the satellite attitude and position 
is providing force and torque commands to the actuation subsystem. Thus a thruster actuation algorithm has to drive the available thrusters in such a way that the required controller commands are accomplished.

The requirements for attitude and position accuracy of scientific space missions are very demanding and boosted the development of new types of thrusters that can act in the range of a few micro newtons. Unfortunatelly the different types of thrusters induce different boundary conditions to the system design, so a general thrust distribution method is not feasible. The paper will outline the mathematical statement of these attributes and their influence on the thruster actuation algorithms.

Beside the various types of thrusters, the design of the thruster actuation algorithm can vary between different methods for the calculation of a valid thrust solution. The paper will point out the major vantages and drawbacks of the methods. This is important to optimize the quality of scientific benefit and the spacecraft lifetime.

Abstract document

IAC-05-C1.P.10.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-C1.P.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.