Finite-time observer-based backstepping control of a flexible launch vehicle

In this paper, a longitudinal model of a space launch vehicle was developed using the Lagrange mechanism and a free-free Euler-Bernoulli beam model. The aim was to propose a model including one flexible mode plus a nonlinear aerodynamic coefficient for nonlinear control design. We then studied the output feedback problem raised by using such a nonlinear model. The main achievement is to propose a new finite-time state observer when the measured outputs are corrupted by an unidentified flexible mode. This effect may destabilize a classical backstepping control law applied to the rigid model. To achieve this, a backstepping control law was redesigned to damp out the flexible mode, once measured and characterized. Hence a new adaptive finite time observer was developed. Closed-loop simulations show the effectiveness of the observer in combination with a redesigned backstepping control law when sensors and the launcher nozzle are collocated.