A multi-constrained thrusters management strategy for spacecraft relative motion control in proximity operations

This work proposes a solution for control commands’ distribution among a set of RCTs while satisfying multiple constraints imposed on the actuation subsystem. The algorithm employs an approach based on the solution of a modified non-negative least square problem integrated within a tree-based search architecture to reduce the computational time compared to a brute force method. This approach is tested in a dedicated numerical simulation environment, showing its effectiveness to guarantee the control of translational and rotational errors within the prescribed thresholds, with residual force and torque errors which do not impact on the spacecraft control capability.