Thruster pulse optimization for momentum desaturation of control moment gyros based on genetic algorithm

Momentum desaturation using thrusters is necessary when control moment gyros (CMGs) are saturated after a long term operation. During the desaturation, vibration of the flexible attachments is likely to be caused. To attenuate the vibration, an optimization method using genetic algorithm to generate the optimal desaturation pulse is proposed in this paper. Simulations show that a better set of desaturation pulses is generated, as well as the calculation amount is reduced hugely comparing with the regular method using traversal search strategy. Furthermore, the relationship between the vibration and the number of delays indicates that more delays could result weaker vibration. Therefore, the best desaturation pulse can be generated quickly after the proper desaturation pattern is chosen considering the precision limit of thrusters while using the designed method in practical application.