Fundamentals of spacecraft attitude determination and control (Q2251338)

The present book presents the fundamental concepts and mathematical basis for spacecraft attitude description and control. Through different specific applications which are given, the reader can understand how the derived theory is applied to actual orbiting spacecraft. Chapter 1 introduces a historical review of the matter. Chapter 2 makes a review of linear algebra (matrices, vectors frames, transformations) and after that moves to basic ideas of spacecraft attitude studies. Chapter 3 presents the derivation of the attitude kinematics and dynamics, including a treatment of the torques acting on spacecraft. Chapter 4 provides the mathematical models behind the most common types of spacecraft sensors and actuators. Chapter 5 presents static determination methods. Chapter 6 covers determination methods by incorporating dynamic models into filtering for attitude estimation and calibration. Chapter 7 shows the fundamentals of attitude control. The book ends with several appendices about: Quaternion Identities, Euler Angles, Control Dynamics, Environment Methods, and Review of Control and Estimation Theory, Computer Software, and Index. Every chapter and appendix contains a rich references. After reading this book, the reader will be convinced that the intended audience for it consists of graduate students, Ph.D. students and scientists with an interest in spacecraft attitude determination and control.