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Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Solar Sailing Adaptive Control Using Integral Concurrent Learning for Solar Flux Estimation

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>In the interest of exploiting natural forces for propellant-less spacecraft missions, this thesis proposes an adaptive control strategy to account for unknown parameters in the dynamic modeling of a reflectivity-controlled solar sail spacecraft. A Lyapunov-based control law along with integral concurrent learning is suggested to accomplish and prove global exponential tracking of the estimated parameters and states of interest, without satisfying the common persistence of excitation condition, which in most nonlinear systems cannot be guaranteed a priori. This involves estimating the solar flux or irradiance from the Sun to account for uncertainty and variation over time in this value. To illustrate potential applications, two missions are considered: (1) a geostationary debris removal case and (2) an Earth-Mars interplanetary transfer orbit following a logarithmic spiral reference trajectory. The proposed formulation demonstrates the benefit of estimating the solar flux using integral concurrent learning. Results are compared to trajectories with no estimation to illustrate the need to account for solar flux fluctuations.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis - Open Access
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Aerospace Engineering
Year
2023

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Mendoza Zambrano, Luis

Subjects

dc:subject × 7

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://commons.erau.edu/edt/746
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:commons.erau.edu:edt-1768

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Base URL
commons.erau.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-27
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Mendoza Zambrano, Luis. Solar Sailing Adaptive Control Using Integral Concurrent Learning for Solar Flux Estimation. Thesis - Open Access thesis, 2023. https://commons.erau.edu/edt/746