Attitude Synchronization of Multiple Spacecraft with Attitude Constraints

This paper investigates the problem of attitude synchronization of a group of spacecraft in the presence of attitude-constrained zones and external disturbances. Based on potential function methods, a decentralized control law is proposed to deal with the problem. Under the proposed control law, multiple spacecraft align their attitudes while avoiding the attitude-constrained zones. The inter-spacecraft communication topology in the control law is assumed to be undirected. The stability of the resulting closed-loop system can be guaranteed by application of the Lyapunov approach. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the performance of the attitude coordination control method with attitude constraints.