Time-optimal control application for an exoatmospheric interceptor

Abstract

The optimum control solution for the capture of an exoatmospheric interceptor's attitude and rate errors is derived. A practical application of the method is investigated by considering the timing constraints imposed by the pulsewidth modulation scheme, and, as a result, timing logic for the thruster firings is derived. The concept is verified by comparing a three-pulse capture with the optimum two-pulse capture and the two-pulse capture with wait time using a 6-DOF simulation of an exoatmospheric interceptor. This comparison demonstrates a considerable improvement in the response time of the control.<>