Reconfiguration control of satellite formation using online quasi-linearization iteration and symplectic discretization

This paper focuses on the reconfiguration control problem of formation flying spacecraft via low thrust continuous propulsion. A nonlinear receding horizon control (NRHC) scheme for performance optimization and constraint enforcement is presented. The nonlinear optimal control (NOC) problem underlying the receding horizon control scheme is transcribed into a sequence of linear optimal control (LOC) problems by exploiting an online quasi-linearization strategy. Hence, only a LOC must be solved in each sampling interval, thereby significantly reducing the computational cost. It differs from conventional receding horizon control schemes that require solving a NOC problem in each sampling interval. Moreover, the numerical solution of the LOC problem is obtained using a structure-preserving symplectic algorithm that is capable of maintaining a high degree of accuracy while simultaneously improving computation efficiency. Finally, a numerical case study is presented to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control approach. (c) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.