Stabilization of a class of hybrid systems arising in flexible spacecraft

We consider the problem of rigorous modelling of flexible spacecraft and their stabilization. It is shown that the dynamics of the flexible spacecraft can be described by a coupled system of ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations (hybrid system). Lyapunov's approach is used to prove the stabilizability of the system. Simple feedback controls are suggested for stabilization of flexible spacecraft.This work was supported in part by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada under Grant No. A7109. The authors would like to thank Professor L. Meirovitch and the reviewers for some valuable suggestions.