Digital microthruster arrays can be used to propel micro/nanosatellites on missions requiring high precision and low impulse. This paper presents a novel control allocation strategy for digital microthruster arrays, called segment distribution and stratification addressing (SD-SA) algorithm, which aims to find the optimal combination of microthrusters to successfully achieve a given thrusting maneuver. The SD algorithm separates a thruster array into disjoint segments, and then the SA algorithm combines these segments to provide required impulses in a control task. Compared with traditional algorithms, the SD-SA algorithm costs less time and computational storage space. It is demonstrated through simulation that the SD-SA algorithm is effective for the real-time orbit control of micro/nanosatellites.
Control Allocation Strategy for Optimal Digital Microthruster Arrays in Orbit Control Applications
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets ; 56 , 3 ; 836-843
2019-02-26
8 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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