Intelligent control research for high precision attitude of flexible spacecraft

A novel scheme for integrating a neural network approach with a variable structure control for the high precision attitude control of a class of flexible spacecraft was presented. Since the modes of flexible structure were immeasurable, the paper addressed the design of variable structure control only using static output feedback. The unknown dynamics and external disturbances were compensated by a neural network, so the controller had both nonlinear control and adaptive control capabilities. Simulation results show that precise attitude control is accomplished based on the proposed method.