AAS 98-103

REORIENTATION OF A PLATFORM SUPPORTING A TETHERED SATELLITE SYSTEM

G. Gilardi, V. J. Modi, S. Kalantzis - The University of British Columbia; A. K. Misra - McGill University

Abstract

Using an O(N) Lagrangian formulation, the paper studies reorientation of a platform, supporting a tethered satellite, in three dimensions. Such a maneuver can provide better platform attitude for communication, on board experiments, solar power production, etc. thus enabling the system to undertake diverse missions. Two different schemes are used to this end : ( i ) energy intensive procedure governing rigid degrees of freedom using the FLT based CMG/Thruster control, with the flexible tether vibrations regulated through the LQG/LQR and the tether offset as actuator; ( ii ) the Liapunov method with the platform controlled through the tether offset while the other degrees of freedom are left uncontrolled. Both the procedures are quite effective. The choice will depend on mission demands and constraints.

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