Attitude Guidance Using On-board Optimization

Abstract

The on-board ability to autonomously plan and execute constrained attitude maneuvers is expected to play an important role in many future space missions. The work presented in this paper summarizes the results from a recently completed ESA study in which such functionality was examined. The study included the application of on-board embedded optimization techniques to solve constrained attitude guidance problems. Different heritage methods not based on on-board optimization were also developed and applied for comparison. The study demonstrated the capabilities in a number of test cases associated with two benchmark problems based on the Comet Interceptor and Theseus mission studies. The performance was examined within Monte Carlo simulations as well as within execution on a flight-like hardware platform.