In-flight system identification for the CRAF/Cassini spacecraft

The feasibility and payoffs of conducting in-flight system dynamics identification for the CRAFT/Cassini/(C/C) spacecraft are studied. The primary control modes of: (a) the boom-mounted high precision scan platform articulation/pointing control; and (b) the main engine thrust vector control are analyzed. Identification of key transfer functions and models and subsequent design of modern robust controllers by recently developed advanced processing algorithms are demonstrated.<>