Rotation matrix based finite-time attitude synchronization control for spacecraft with external disturbances

This paper investigates the anti-unwinding finite-time attitude synchronization control problem for Spacecraft formation flying with external disturbances. Two finite-time controllers are designed based on rotation matrix and terminal sliding mode method. By designing a novel sliding mode surface, the first controller is developed when the upper bound of the external disturbances can be exactly known. However, this value is not always available in reality. In addition, the direct use of the upper bound of the external disturbances can result in the chattering problem. For the purpose of overcoming the disadvantage of the first controller, a modified control law is proposed, in which the adaptive law is applied to estimate the unknown value online. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed controllers. (C) 2018 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.