Nonlinear relative position control of precise formation flying using polynomial eigenstructure assignment

A nonlinear relative position control algorithm is designed for spacecraft precise formation flying. Taking into account the effect of J2 gravitational perturbations and atmospheric drag, the relative motion dynamic equation of the formation flying is developed in a quasi-linear parameter-varying (QLPV) form without approximation. Base on this QLPV model, polynomial eigenstructure assignment (PEA) is applied to design the controller. The resulting PEA controller is a function of system state and parameters, and produces a closed-loop system with invariant performance over a wide range of conditions. Numerical simulation results show that the performance can fulfill precise formation flying requirements.