Mathematical modeling and control of large space structures with multiple appendages

We consider the problem of rigorous modeling and stabilization of large satellites with several flexible appendages, such as a boom, tower, solar panel etc., all located arbitrarily on the rigid bus. The complete dynamics of the system is described by a set of hyperbolic partial differential equations coupled with a set of ordinary differential equations. These two sets of equations are very strongly coupled and describe the interaction among the rigid and the flexible members of the spacecraft. We propose feedback control schemes that make the system asymptotically stable in the sense that all the bus angular motions and the vibrations of the elastic members eventually decay to zero. We also present simulation results illustrating stabilization of the spacecraft by the feedback controls.