Linearization in satellite attitude control with modified Rodriguez parameters

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyze the results of the Jacobian matrix linearization of the satellite attitude dynamics with modified Rodriguez parameters (MRP) as attitude representation. Design/methodology/approach - The satellite dynamics is linearized using Jacobian differentiation around origin and reference values of the MRP The controller is designed through linear quadratic regulation approach. Findings - It is found that, for both cases the overall system converges but there exists a tracking error. The error can be reduced by increasing the controller coefficients in both cases however cannot be eliminated. In the case of linearization around zero, the torque requirements are quite higher than the case of linearization around the reference attitude trajectory. Originality/value - The attempt of Jacobian linearization of a satellite dynamics with the MRP as the attitude representation constitutes the value of this paper. In addition, the results obtained in the derivations may be used in future research.