Robust time-optimal control of flexible spacecraft with structured uncertainties

A technique to design robust time-optimal controllers for nonlinear flexible structures is proposed in this paper. A parameter optimization problem is solved using the Switch Time Optimization algorithm to determine a bang-bang control profile that minimizes the maneuver time subject to the constraint that the sensitivity of the final states with respect to system parameters are zero. The proposed approach is illustrated on the benchmark floating oscillator problem followed by two nonlinear examples. Simulation results illustrate the reduction of residual vibrations of the system subject to the robust control profile, compared to the time-optimal control profile, in the presence of errors in system parameters.