Optimal Performance Guaranteed Motion Control for Libration Point Orbit Rendezvous: A Semianalytical Predictive Approach

In light of the importance of libration point orbits (LPOs) in deep space explorations, a highly reliable and precise position control method is required to guarantee safety and effectiveness during spacecraft proximity and rendezvous operations. Different from the existing works, this article investigates a novel semianalytical optimal performance guaranteed control approach for LPO rendezvous subject to actuator saturation. First, the unified error transformation technique is applied to remove the performance constraints quantitatively characterizing the transient and static responses of the LPO motion dynamics. Then, an explicit receding horizon predictive control strategy with guaranteed prescribed performance is devised by exploiting sequential action control structure under actuator saturation. Accordingly, a syncretic iterative control action sequence is developed based on the two controllers designed earlier. Compared with the existing methods, the major merit of the proposed one lies in that the optimal control efficiency of the motion tracking performance is improved dramatically with a low-complexity computation burden. Finally, three groups of illustrative examples are employed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.