ACES Program: Lessons Learned

Abstract

Control Dynamics has recently completed the ACES (Active Control Technique Evaluation for Spacecraft) Program, which was funded by Wright-Patterson AFB and NASA/MSFC. The ACES Program involved the experimental evaluation of three LSS (Large Space Structures) control desip techniques at the LSS GTF (Ground Test Facility) at NASA/MSFC (1). The three techniques were developed under the ACOSS (Active Control Of Space Structures) Program specifically for application to LSS. The techniques included FAMESS (Filter Accommodated Model Error Sensitivity Suppression), HAC/LAC (High Authority Control/Low Authority Control), and Positivity. This paper examines some of the lessons that have been learned during the course of the ACES Program.