On-Orbit Modeling and Identification for MACE

Abstract

The Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE) is a space shuttle flight experiment which flew on STS-67 in March, 1995. The objective of the experiment was to explore advanced control techniques to achieve high precision pointing and vibration control of future spacecraft. Modeling and identification methodologies are presented whose end results are models useful for modern control design techniques. These methodologies are validated using on-orbit experimental data from two configurations of the MACE test article, with limitations discussed based on flight experience. Nonlinearities, which were not anticipated before flight, are investigated by exciting the structure with different excitation amplitudes.