Networked flexible spacecraft attitude maneuver based on adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control

For the attitude stabilization of networked flexible spacecraft during large angle slew maneuver, a novel type of adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control (AFSMC) method for solving the dynamic model with network-induced delay, nonlinear and uncertain parameters is proposed in this paper. A novel and systematic sliding mode control (SMC) scheme, which integrates a time-advanced nonlinear predictor, is proposed to compensate for the network-induced delay and to overcome the negative effect of uncertainties. Then, an adaptive fuzzy system is used to approximate the strong coupling nonlinear dynamics between rigid hub and flexible appendages. Following that, the designed adaptive algorithms are developed in the sense of the Lyapunov stability theorem, so that system-tracking stability can be guaranteed. Finally, simulation results show that, with the application of the proposed method, not only high-precision attitude stabilization of flexible spacecraft is achieved, but also the elastic vibration of flexible spacecraft during maneuver is suppressed effectively, and the system is robust against system uncertainties, network-induced delays and any outer disturbances.