A finite-time convergent continuous time sliding mode controller for spacecraft attitude control

In this work a finite time convergent, continuous time sliding mode robust controller is proposed for attitude control of rigid spacecraft. The controller is designed with a new proposed fast terminal sliding mode (FTSM). Finite time reachability to the small neighborhood of sliding surface and faster finite time convergent of system states to equilibrium point is shown using a Lyapunov-type theorem. Simulation results show better convergent performance of the FTSM over terminal sliding mode controller (TSM).