Spacecraft Dynamics and Control

This new edition introduces a more refined approach to both handling system uncertainty, complexity, and disturbance patterns, as well as enhancing the precision and adaptability of control systems in unpredictable space environments by fully leveraging the Embedded Model Control (EMC) methodology.
Updated throughout, the book begins with an extensive introduction to attitude geometry and algebra, establishing a strong foundation for the complex control systems discussed in later chapters. It examines the integration of innovative instrument and actuator technologies, including laser interferometer metrology and micro-propulsion subsystems, the former being new to this edition. Drawing inspiration from past and forthcoming drag-free European missions and the control challenges they encounter, advanced application examples are featured alongside numerical exercises and simulations, all designed around the mission state predictor, which enables precise drag-free and attitude control of multibody systems under varying, unstable conditions. Three dedicated chapters cover the complex drag-free and attitude control of the successful GOCE mission and of the next-generation satellite constellations aimed at Earth’s gravity field mapping (NGGM) and gravitational wave detection (LISA). Architecture and design of the case studies entirely rely on the EMC methodology, the uncertainty-based design of which is summarized and exemplified in the chapter that precedes the case studies.

Review of the previous edition:
"Spacecraft Dynamics and Control approaches the problem of controlling a spacecraft from a model-based control perspective. Both orbit and attitude control are dealt with, although more focus is given on the latter. In my opinion, there are two main strengths of this book. Being the result of authors’ collaboration with ESA, the book presents the material with a focus on practical applications. The case studies and proposed and solved exercises are carefully designed and they are a critical support for reading comprehension and self-assessment. This book distinguishes itself by the focus on strong model-based control. As such I consider it useful for researchers and practitioners with classical control theory expertise to familiarise with astrodynamics problems and for those with a more physics-based background to get their hands on spacecraft control control problems. Undergraduate and graduate students will find this book useful to understand fundamentals concepts and to carry out individual or group projects. The notation used and terminology is sometimes non-standard, however this does not impair upon the reading much as consistency is preserved along the manuscript.

"In my opinion, there are two main strengths of this book. Being the result of authors’ collaboration with ESA, the book presents the material with a focus on practical applications. The case studies and proposed and solved exercises are carefully designed and they are a critical support for reading comprehension and self-assessment. This book distinguishes itself by the focus on strong model-based control. As such I consider it useful for researchers and practitioners with classical control theory expertise to familiarise with astrodynamics problems and for those with a more physics-based background to get their hands on spacecraft control control problems. Undergraduate and graduate students will find this book useful to understand fundamentals concepts and to carry out individual or group projects. The notation used and terminology is sometimes non-standard, however this does not impair upon the reading much as consistency is preserved along the manuscript."—The Aeronautical Journal