Observer-based reaction wheel fault reconstruction for spacecraft attitude control systems

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to achieve fault reconstruction for reaction wheels in spacecraft attitude control systems (ACSs) subject to space disturbance torques. Design/methodology/approach Considering the influence of rotating reaction wheels on spacecraft attitude dynamics, a novel non-linear learning observer is suggested to robustly reconstruct the loss of reaction wheel effectiveness faults, and its stability is proven using Lyapunov’s indirect method. Further, an extension of the proposed approach to bias faults reconstruction for reaction wheels in spacecraft ACSs is performed. Findings The numerical example and simulation demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault-reconstructing methods. Practical implications This paper includes implications for the development of reliability and survivability of on-orbit spacecrafts. Originality/value This paper proposes a novel non-linear learning observer-based reaction wheels fault reconstruction for spacecraft ACSs.