Application of Predictive Control for Desired Attitude Stabilization with Magnetic Actuators

A predictive controller was modified and applied to a microsatellite to show that attitude stabilization about two axes can be achieved using only magnetic actuators. The predictive controller is based on previous works by other authors with modifications for a spacecraft without gyroscopic stiffness. The system is described by a discrete-update law and uses a predictive control approach to calculate the control effort. In order to test the controller, a truth model using twobody dynamics and Euler\u27s equations along with solar radiation pressure, atmospheric drag, and gravity gradient perturbations was developed. To analyze the fidelity of the controller, a Monte Carlo analysis was conducted and showed that all simulated scenarios achieved the desired attitude and attitude rates. In addition, power consumption, time to reach desired attitude, and state errors were analyzed