LEO satellites momentum management based on predictive model and aerodynamic torque

Abstract

To depress the influence on satellite attitude control caused by environment torque, decrease the propellant consumption, and improve the electromagnetic environment in satellites, a momentum management algorithm is proposed for low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which utilizes moment wheels to control attitude and aerodynamic torque to manage momentum. The proposed algorithm predicts the momentum variation via the linearized attitude dynamic model and corresponding control law, manages momentum utilizing the dominant aerodynamic torque through controlling the tiny rotation angle of the solar array, and adopts quadratic programming algorithm to optimize the management result. Compared with traditional schemes, simulations with high-fidelity space environment models demonstrate the proposed algorithm has ability to reduce energy consumption via converting the dominant environment perturbation into control torque. Besides, the proposed algorithm can enhance the reliability and robustness of the system by being treated as redundant momentum management strategy without any extra physical devices. © 2019, Editorial Office of Control and Decision. All right reserved.