Quaternion versus Rotation Matrix Feedback for Spacecraft Attitude Stabilization Using Magnetorquers

The purpose of this paper is to compare performances between stabilization algorithms of quaternion plus attitude rate feedback and rotation matrix plus attitude rate feedback for an Earth-pointing spacecraft with magnetorquers as the only torque actuators. From a mathematical point of view, an important difference between the two stabilizing laws is that only quaternion feedback can exhibit an undesired behavior known as the unwinding phenomenon. A numerical case study is considered, and two Monte Carlo campaigns are carried out: one in nominal conditions and one in perturbed conditions. It turns out that quaternion feedback compares more favorably in terms of the speed of convergence in both campaigns, and it requires less energy in perturbed conditions.

Global Finite-Time Set Stabilization of Spacecraft Attitude with Disturbances using Second-Order Sliding Mode Control

The performance of attitude stabilization control algorithms for rigid spacecraft can be limited by disturbances. In this paper, the global finite-time attitude stabilization problem with disturbances is investigated and handled by constructing a second-order sliding mode controller. Firstly, a virtual controller based on set stabilization idea is constructed to globally finite-time stabilize the system. Then, a relay polynomial second-order sliding mode controller is constructed to guarantee that the tracking error towards the virtual controller will converge to zero in finite-time. Finite-time Lyapunov theory is applied to support the proof and stability analysis. The global finite-time stability holds even with bounded disturbances. The effectiveness and feasibility of the controller are illustrated by the numerical simulations.