Adaptive attitude control for a small satellite with integrated singularity avoidance and momentum management

An adaptive attitude controller for a small satellite utilizing variable speed control moment gyroscopes (VSCMGs) is proposed, which performs integrated singularity avoidance and momentum management using null motion. An adaptive controller yields accurate attitude tracking while the VSCMG null motion achieves singularity avoidance and momentum management. The proposed controller compensates for parametric uncertainties present in the nonlinear satellite dynamics. Asymptotic attitude tracking and exponential momentum tracking are proven via Lyapunov stability analysis. Simulation results indicate the performance of the proposed controller as a VSCMG steering law.