Distributed finite-time attitude dynamic tracking control for multiple rigid spacecraft

In this study, the authors study the distributed finite-time attitude dynamic tracking control problem for multiple rigid spacecraft systems with a single dynamic leader under directed graphs. By constructing a sliding-mode estimator for each follower, they remove the requirement of the angular acceleration information. Based upon a sliding-mode observation vector, the distributed input torques are designed to guarantee that not only the attitude but also the angular velocity of the followers will converge to the leader´s. Necessary and sufficient criteria are established for the proposed protocol. Finally, the theoretical result is illustrated by a numerical simulation.