Vector field path following for a stratospheric satellite

This paper addresses the path following of a stratospheric satellite with propulsion systems, which is effective to realize orbit keeping and transfer. An algorithm for accurate path following of stratospheric satellites is proposed based on the theories of vector field and sliding mode control. Firstly, the dynamic model of the satellite propulsion system is presented, in which a 6 degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) stratospheric satellite model is introduced. Secondly, the control algorithm is proposed, which includes vector-field-based guidance laws to guide the satellite towards the desired path, sliding mode controllers to reduce path-following errors into an acceptable range and a forward velocity controller to maintain a constant velocity. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.