Lightweight Model Predictive Control for Spacecraft Rendezvous Attitude Synchronization

Abstract: This work introduces two lightweight model predictive control (MPC) approaches for attitude tracking with reaction wheels during spacecraft rendezvous synchronization. Both approaches are based on a novel attitude deviation formulation, which enables the use of inherently linear constraints on angular velocity. We develop a single-loop and a dual-loop MPC; the latter embeds a stabilizing feedback controller within the inner loop, yielding a linear time-invariant system. Both controllers are implemented with CasADi - including automatic code generation - evaluated across various solvers, and validated within the Basilisk astrodynamics simulation framework. The experimental results demonstrate improved tracking accuracy alongside reductions in computational effort and memory consumption. Finally, embedded delivery to an ARM Cortex-M7 - representative of commercial off-the-shelf devices used in New Space platforms - confirms the real-time feasibility of these approaches and highlights their suitability for onboard attitude control in resource-constrained spacecraft rendezvous missions.