Comparison of H∞ and GIPC control methods for attitude control of rigid spacecrafts

In this paper, two methods of H∞ robust control and generalized incremental predictive control (GIPC) are designed and compared for three axis attitude control of a rigid spacecraft. These designs are performed with consideration of environmental disturbances, limitations of available torques and moments of inertia uncertainties. Three reaction wheels are used to produce required torques. Benefits of using generalized incremental predictive control (GIPC) comparing to H∞ robust control is shown by simulation. These advantages are such as considering input constraints, improving some dynamic performance features, and obtaining more applicable controller.