A Design Method for Redundant Microthruster Layout With Allocation Error

Abstract

The microthruster is generally chosen as the actuator of the drag‐free satellite control system, and the layout directly affects the stability of the satellite control. Due to the extremely rigorous objectives of drag‐free control, a design method for the redundant thruster layout is proposed in this paper to improve the control stability of the satellite and reduce the allocation error of the control system. First, the factors corresponding to the allocation errors of redundant thruster layouts are analyzed. And the minimum number of thrusters required for satellite control is determined through the calculation method of thruster redundancy. Then, the design criterion of reducing the allocation error and increasing the satellite control stability is put forward. To demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the design method proposed in this paper, the space gravitational wave detection satellite is taken as a simulation case. Thrust distribution models corresponding to the designed thruster layouts are established, and the results show that a proper layout can not only improve stability but also reduce fuel consumption. The research is looking forward to providing a reference for designing the microthruster layout of the gravitational wave detection satellite in the future.