Characteristic Model Based Robust H∞ Control for Spacecraft Rendezvous and Proximity Operations

An integrated motion control strategy for spacecraft rendezvous and proximity operations with parametric uncertainties, disturbances and couplings is presented in this paper. Firstly, the characteristic model of relative motion is established. By virtue of the obtained characteristic model, a robust H∞ relative translational and rotational controller is derived. Correspondingly, the controller design for spacecraft relative motion is formulated as a linear matrix inequality condition. Compared with previous integrated translational and rotational control schemes of spacecraft, the control strategy in this paper is easier to obtain without relying on precise mathematical model of the plant, and can guarantee the system performance subject to disturbances and parametric uncertainties. Numerical simulation verification indicates the effectiveness of the developed controller.