Fuzzy supervised optimal regulator for spacecraft formation flying

The Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn is the end of an era for NASA; sending one large spacecraft equipped to carry out a multitude of scientific experiments. Future NASA missions will deploy many smaller spacecrafts in highly controlled spatial configurations in what is referred to as "formation flying." Among the many challenges to this approach are: maintaining precise relative-positions, attitude relative to desired target, and communication for information sharing among all spacecraft in formation. In this paper we will investigate the advantages of using an intelligent fuzzy supervisory unit to modify the optimal regulator developed to maintain the relative position between spacecraft. The fuzzy agent modifies the optimal regulator based on information received from the navigation, communication, and control systems, and relative trajectory of the formation. This fuzzy agent seamlessly schedules and nonlinearly interpolates the optimal control gains.