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Cal Poly

Adaptive Control Applied to the Cal Poly Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The goal of this thesis is to use the Cal Poly Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator to provide proof of concept of two adaptive control theories developed by former Cal Poly students: Nonlinear Direct Model Reference Adaptive Control and Adaptive Output Feedback Control. The Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator is a student-built air bearing spacecraft simulator controlled by four reaction wheels in a pyramidal arrangement. Tests were performed to determine the effectiveness of the two adaptive control theories under nominal operating conditions, a “plug-and-play” spacecraft scenario, and under simulated actuator damage. Proof of concept of the adaptive control theories applied to attitude control of a spacecraft is provided. The adaptive control theories are shown to attain similar or improved performance over a Full State Feedback controller. However, the measurement capabilities of the simulator need to be improved before strong comparisons between the adaptive controllers and Full State Feedback can be achieved.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
MS in Aerospace Engineering
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Aerospace Engineering
Year dc:date.available
2010

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Downs, Matthew C
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Eric Mehiel

Subjects

dc:subject × 9

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:digitalcommons.calpoly.edu:theses-1243

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Cal Poly
Base URL
digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Downs, Matthew C. Adaptive Control Applied to the Cal Poly Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator. 2010. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/231