QFT Design for Spacecraft with Uncertain Flexible Structures

Future space missions require spacecraft with large flexible structures which imposes a quite challenging design problem for attitude and orbit control systems (AOCS). This paper investigates the robust control problem of Darwin flyer benchmark using quantitative feedback theory (QFT). After representing the design specifications into explicit and implicit design criteria in QFT design environment, the 6 degrees of freedom design problem is re-formulated as a design problem for 6 SISO uncertain plants and the corresponding controllers are designed using loop shaping. The designed controllers are tested on the fully coupled benchmark simulator with significant uncertainties, and satisfactory performance is demonstrated