Position and attitude control of a spacecraft using the state-dependent Riccati equation technique

Abstract

Spacecraft which are required to remove space debris or collect disabled satellites must be able to achieve the attitude of the target while being positioned at a desired distance from the target. The six degree of freedom motion of a spacecraft performing rotational and translational maneuvers has nonlinear equations of motion. The state-dependent Riccati equation method of nonlinear regulation is used to control the position and attitude of a spacecraft in the proximity of a tumbling target. A six degree of freedom simulation of the spacecraft and target are utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the controller.