Neuro-adaptive Distributed Finite-time Attitude Tracking Control for Multiple Rigid Spacecraft by Output Feedback

This paper is concerned with the distributed finite-time attitude tracking control problem for multiple uncertain rigid spacecraft in the presence of unavailable angular velocity under directed graph. First, a finite-time neuro-adaptive observer is proposed for each follower to estimate its own unavailable angular velocity. Then based on adding a power integrator technique, a distributed finite-time control scheme with only attitude measurements is developed. A rigorous theoretical proof shows that the finite-time stability of the overall closed-loop system is ensured. It is seen that the velocity-free control scheme is distributed and model-independent, resulting in an effective and low-cost strategy for spacecraft applications. A simulation with multiple spacecraft is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.