Application of the dynamic programming method to ensure of dual-channel attitude control of an asymmetric spacecraft in a rarefied atmosphere of Mars

Abstract

We consider a linearized dynamic system, which determines the motion of the spacecraft relative to the center of mass in a rarefied atmosphere of Mars in the non-resonant case. This dynamic system takes into account the influence of disturbances from small aerodynamic and inertial asymmetry. The aim of this paper is to synthesis approximate optimized continuous control of the angular velocity and spatial angle of attack of the spacecraft with small aerodynamic and inertial asymmetries in the atmosphere of Mars, implemented by means of four onboard jet engines. The averaging method and method of dynamic programming are applied in control synthesis. The main result of this work is to obtain expressions of approximate continuous control of the angular velocity and spatial angle of attack of the spacecraft with small aerodynamic and inertial asymmetries in the atmosphere of Mars. These expressions provide a controlled decrease of the angular velocity and spatial angle of attack to small magnitudes. In addition, the paper contains brief descriptions of several control algorithms based on the application of the obtained laws of the spacecraft attitude control. The reliability of the obtained control laws is confirmed by results of numerical modeling of a descent motion of the asymmetric spacecraft Mars Polar Lander in the rarefied atmosphere of Mars.