A novel solution for the spacecraft mixed actuators problem based on a multiobjective optimization method

Abstract

In this paper, a novel solution for the mixed actuators problem is proposed. This approach uses a multiobjective optimization technique for commanding a group of actuators (thrusters, reaction wheels and magnetic torqrods) simultaneously optimizing a set of objective functions. The multiobjective problem is formulated using combinatorial combinations of the control signal for composing the decision space. The proposed model, called Actuator Multiobjective Command Method (AMCM), is included in a complete guidance, navigation and control loop applied to the final approach rendezvous scenario. Its performance, compared to different actuators configurations, has been evaluated in numerical simulations. In addition, AMCM has been integrated and tested in the hardware-in-the-loop rendezvous and docking simulator of the German Aerospace Center. Results have indicated effectiveness and robustness in both purely numerical and real-time simulations.