Control of nonlinear motion of spacecraft to change orientation

This course will teach you the skills needed to program specific orientation and achieve precise targeting of spacecraft moving in three-dimensional space. We first review definitions of stability of nonlinear dynamical systems, covering the difference between local and global stability. We then analyze and apply the direct Lyapunov method to prove these stability properties and develop a nonlinear 3-axis guidance control law using Lyapunov theory. Finally, we consider alternative feedback control laws and closed-loop dynamics. After this course you will be able to... * Distinguish between a number of nonlinear stability concepts * Apply the direct Lyapunov method to prove the stability and convergence of a number of dynamic systems * Develop measures of velocity and setup error for 3-axis guidance control using Lyapunov theory * Analyze the convergence of rigid body control with unmodeled moment