Nonlinear Generalized Predictive Control for Earth-Orbiting Formation-Flying Spacecraft

To date, most of the small satellite formation flying missions have flown with Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire equations based controllers. Additionally, the vast majority of nonlinear optimal control methods are complex for onboard implementation with the critical need of verification and validation methods. In this context, this paper addresses the relative motion control of formation flying mission with the design and development of an analytical, onboard-compatible optimal controller based upon the Nonlinear Generalized Predictive Control theory. The resulting controller is shown to be suitable to handle perturbed near-circular orbits.