Control of large flexible space structures using pole placement design techniques

A design approach via the pole placement techniques for the class of large flexible space structures is developed. The numerical problems in pole placement algorithm, arising from large dimension systems and the extremely low frequency eigenvalues which occur in large space structure models are examined. It shows these numerical difficulties may be overcome by properly selecting the sensor/actuator locations and introducing a frequency scaling scheme. The concepts of this paper are illustrated by some numerical studies on the linear feedback control design of a representative large spacecraft consisting of a small rigid core with ten radial booms (five booms 1000 ft long and five shorter booms 700 ft long) lying in a plane.