Attitude Trajectory Optimization and Momentum Conservation with Control Moment Gyroscopes

Abstract: In this work, we develop a numerically tractable trajectory optimization problem for rest-to-rest attitude transfers with CMG-driven spacecraft. First, we adapt a specialized dynamical model which avoids many of the numerical challenges (singularities) introduced by common dynamical approximations. To formulate and solve our specialized trajectory optimization problem, we design a locally stabilizing Linear Quadratic (LQ) regulator on the system's configuration manifold then lift it into the ambient state space to produce suitable terminal and running LQ cost functionals. Finally, we examine the performance benefits and drawbacks of solutions to this optimization problem via the PRONTO solver and find significant improvements in maneuver time, terminal state accuracy, and total control effort. This analysis also highlights a critical shortcoming for objective functions which penalize only the norm of the control input rather than electrical power usage.