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AE649A: Automatic Control of Aircraft Rockets and Spacecraft

Course Description

The objective of this course is to apply knowledge of mathematics and engineering to analyze and design a control system to meet the desired specifications. Students should learn to analytically determine a control system’s functionality and select appropriate tests to demonstrate the system’s performance and finally design a control system to meet a set of requirements. Develop an understanding of the elements of classical control theory as applied to the control of aircraft, rockets, and spacecraft. In particular, understand the concept of feedback controls and its properties; the concept of stability and stability margins; feedback controllers design including pole-placement, LQR, Observers, and LQG; digital control approach; rigid body dynamics; spacecraft dynamics and control including active and passive actuators models and their control issues through feedback controls. Finally, gain knowledge of the basic linear design techniques.

              The course is divided into two parts. In the first (tentatively 24 lectures- 30 minutes each), we shall discuss the actives means of spacecraft attitude control using classical control technique. In the second part (tentatively 20 lectures- 30 minutes each), we shall cover the application of modern control theory to aircraft autopilot design. Finally, we shall discuss the attitude stabilization of spacecraft using Reaction wheels control systems, Magnetic torquers, control moment gyroscopes, and variable speed control gyroscope (3 lectures- 30 min each).