Chain tethered satellite formation reconfiguration: An event-triggered practical prescribed-time control approach

This paper addresses the challenge of rapid reconfiguration control in the chained tethered satellite formation (CTSF) amidst full-state constraints and uncertainties. To tackle this, we propose an innovative event-triggered practical prescribed-time control method grounded in observer theory. Initially, we develop a sliding mode state observer utilizing event triggering to effectively monitor the velocities of adjacent satellites. Subsequently, leveraging the framework of backstepping control, uncertainties are managed by approximating them using fuzzy logic systems. The imposition of full-state constraints is adeptly handled through the barrier Lyapunov function. An event-triggered practical prescribed-time controller (ET-PPTC) is then engineered, drawing on the principles of practical prescribed-time stability. The robustness and stability of the closed-loop control system are rigorously established employing the Lyapunov framework. Finally, through comprehensive numerical simulations, we validate the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed control scheme in facilitating the reconfiguration mission of a four-satellite CTSF.