Linear-quadratic-regulator pointing control system for a high-altitude balloon payload

Abstract

A pointing control system design for the science package of a NASA high-altitude research balloon is described. The balloon assembly consists of a single helium balloon connected to a payload recovery parachute, payload gondola, and ballast hopper. Pointing of the scientific payload is accomplished via an arrangement of drive motors and a flywheel. Linear quadratic regulator (LQR) synthesis techniques are employed to produce the azimuth and elevation controller designs. The use of LQR synthesis is motivated by the azimuthal dynamic coupling encountered between the balloon and gondola. Two control devices are employed in azimuth, one of which is a decoupler motor and the other a flywheel. The decoupler motor is intended to isolate the gondola from the balloon such that the flywheel can be accelerated or decelerated about a steady-state angular velocity to provide precise azimuthal pointing. The multiple-input/multiple-output nature of the azimuth pointing problem is best handled in a matrix synthesis procedure such as LQR. The controller design methodology is explained, and a combination of time responses and singular value analyses are used to analytically evaluate the performance of the control system. 11 refs., 17 figs.