Simple robust PD control for asymptotic stabilization of uncertain spacecraft with actuator constraints and disturbances

Abstract

This paper concerns the problem of asymptotic attitude stabilization for uncertain spacecraft subject to actuator constraints and bounded external disturbances. A simple model‐free saturated robust PD control is proposed within the framework of PD design methodology combining sliding mode control strategy. Asymptotic stabilization stability is proved in terms of Lyapunov's direct method and Barbalat's lemma. Advantages of the proposed control include the easy‐going implementation with simple and intuitive structure and explicit tuning procedure and abilities to guarantee the asymptotic attitude stabilization and bounded disturbance rejection and ensure the actuator constraint is not violated by selecting the control gains a priori. Simulation comparisons demonstrate the improved performance of the proposed approach.