Quaternion-Based Generalized Super-Twisting Algorithm for Spacecraft Attitude Control

Abstract

A second-order sliding mode control, the generalized super-twisting algorithm (GSTA), is used for attitude control of a spacecraft actuated by reaction wheels for pointing and a slewing maneuver. Magnetorquers are used for reaction wheel momentum dumping. Simulation results are based on a typical CubeSat. The results produced by using the GSTA are compared to sliding mode control (SMC) and a proportional-derivative (PD) controller. The simulation shows that the GSTA performs better than the SMC for the pointing and slewing maneuvers when it comes to settling time and accuracy due to reduced chattering. Compared to the PD controller, the GSTA performs similarly under the chosen conditions, with a shorter settling time for pointing, and longer settling time for slewing. The GSTA applies a torque to the reaction wheels with lower spikes and less chattering than the PD controller.