Constant bearing guidance for autonomous rendezvous

A constant bearing guidance law for autonomous rendezvous is proposed in this paper based on a line-of-sight(LOS) relative dynamic model with time-varying nonlinear and uncertainty. The LOS model is classified as a lateral model and a longitudinal model at first. Then the corresponding guidance law and related parameters selection for the two models are discussed based on sliding model control and Lyapunov stability theory. The parallel proximity is achieved with the lateral guidance meanwhile the rendezvous range and velocity requirements are satisfied with the longitudinal guidance. Numerical simulation shows that the time-varying nonlinear and uncertainty can be overcame with the designed guidance strategy just by using the autonomous navigation information.