Feedback linearization and solar pressure satellite attitude control

The question of large angle pitch attitude maneuver of satellites using solar radiation pressure is considered. For pitch axis maneuver, two highly reflective control surfaces are used to generate radiation moment. Based on dynamic feedback linearization, a nonlinear control law is derived for large pitch attitude control. In the closed-loop system, the response characteristics of the pitch angle are governed by a fourth-order linear differential equation. Robustness of control system is obtained by the integral error feedback. Simulation results are presented to show that in the closed-loop system, attitude control of the satellite is accomplished in spite of the parameter uncertainty in the system.