Finite-time output feedback attitude coordination control for formation flying spacecraft without unwinding

In this paper, two finite-time attitude coordinated controllers for formation flying spacecraft are investigated based on rotation matrix. Because rotation matrix can represent the set of attitudes both globally and uniquely, the two controllers can deal with unwinding that can result in extra fuel consumption. To address the lack of angular velocity measurement, the second attitude coordinated controller is given by using a novel filter. Through homogeneous method and Lyapunov theories, it is shown that the proposed controllers can achieve the finite-time stability. Numerical simulations also demonstrate that the proposed control schemes are effective.