Robust satellite formation flying controller design subject to communication delays

Abstract

A robust control method is proposed to address the satellite formation flying problem subject to communication delays. Each satellite dynamics involves nonlinear dynamics, parametric uncertainties, and external disturbances. Communications between neighboring satellites are affected by time delays. For each satellite, the resulted controller includes a translational controller to maintain the desired formation pattern, and a rotational controller to align the attitude. Theoretical analysis and simulation results are provided to verify the advantages of the proposed formation flying controller.