Abstract The relative attitude is studied between two charge controlled spacecraft being held at a fixed separation distance. While one body has a spherical shape, the 2nd body is assumed to be non-spherical and tumbling. The attitude control goal is to arrest the rotation of the 2nd body. While prior work has identified the existence of torques between charged bodies, this is the first analytical study on a charged feedback attitude control. Using the recently developed multi-sphere method to provide a simplified electrostatic force and torque model between non-spherical shapes, Lyapunov theory is used to develop a stabilizing attitude control using spacecraft potential as the control variable. Zero and non-zero equilibrium potentials are considered, with the later suitable for the electrostatic tug concept. With a pulling configuration, the cylinder will come to rest with the long axis aligned with the inter-vehicle axis in a stable configuration. For a pusher, the cylinder will settle 90 degrees rotated from this axis. Numerical simulations illustrate the control performance.
Prospects of Relative Attitude Control Using Coulomb Actuation
The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences ; 60 , 3 ; 258-277
01.12.2013
20 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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