A novel on–off linear quadratic regulator control approach for satellite rendezvous

In this paper, a novel on–off linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control for satellite rendezvous as an example of linear systems with on–off inputs has been proposed for the first time. It simultaneously benefits from unique potentials of LQR control method and the extensive applications of systems with on–off inputs in various areas. The on–off LQR control approach has been applied on the system of orbital rendezvous and docking of satellites equipped with thrusters which are appropriate samples of systems with on–off inputs. Because of the energy consumption significance in many practical applications, the proposed approach is designed to consume less energy as well. Simulation results show the energy consumption of the presented method has been reduced about 36% compared to the continuous LQR approach.