A hybrid model predictive control approach to attitude control with minimum-impulse-bit thrusters

This paper studies an important aspect of attitude control for a launcher's upper stage: the minimum impulse bit (MIB), that is, the minimum torque that can be exerted by the thrusters. We model this effect using principles of hybrid systems theory and we design a hybrid model predictive control scheme for the attitude control of a launcher during its long coasting period, aiming at minimizing the number of thrusters' actuations. We apply the proposed methodology to a nonlinear model of a typical upper stage with multi-payload capability.