Coordinated Control of Orbit and Attitude Using Hybrid Automata Theory

Abstract

In this paper a hybrid automata theory is developed to autonomously control the satellite orbit and attitude. The discrete dynamics are used for satellite commands and the continuous dynamics are used to model the orbit and attitude dynamics. We utilize the hybrid automata theory to combine discrete and continuous dynamics associated with satellite control. We perform simulations for automatic attitude and orbit control using various different control methods. We show that a single satellite orbit and attitude control is easily modeled and simulated. We also perform a simulation of autonomous orbit and attitude control of three satellite from three different altitudes to the same operating altitude. Then we model a general attitude and orbit control state transition diagram for a satellite to maneuver from any initial attitude and orbit to any target attitude and orbit. We show that it is possible to automate a satellite attitude and orbit control using hybrid automata theory;.