Summary This paper proposes a composite approach to implementing attitude tracking and active vibration control of a large space flexible truss system. The system dynamic model is based on Hamilton's principle and discretized using the finite difference method. A nonlinear attitude controller for position tracking is developed based on the input‐output linearization of the discretized system, which can effectively improve system performance compared with a traditional proportional‐differential feedback controller. A taut cable actuator scheme is presented to suppress tip vibration because the mechanical model is a large large‐span spatial structure; furthermore, because the cable has the feature of unilateral input saturation constraint, which can provide only a pulling force, a nonlinear quadratic regulator controller is developed by introducing a piecewise nonquadratic cost function to suppress the vibration of the flexible structure. To investigate the factors that influence the damping effects of the cable, the parametrically excited instability of a cable under 2 supports is analyzed. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed attitude controller can implement the task of position tracking, and the vibration suppression control law is shown to be optimal for functional performance with input saturation.

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