Distributed finite-time output feedback synchronisation control for six DOF spacecraft formation subject to input saturation

This study is devoted to the distributed finite-time output feedback synchronisation control problem for six degree-offreedom (DOF) spacecraft formation flying (SFF) with coupled attitude and position motions subject to input saturation. On the basis of a new velocity filter, a bounded distributed output feedback control protocol is proposed, whose upper bound is independent on the number and edge weights of the neighbours in the formation. Moreover, a straightforward relationship between the magnitude of the limited control and the control parameters is established, which can be regarded as the guideline to tune the control parameters such that the input saturation can be satisfied. By applying the homogenous theory and Lyapunov approach, it is proved that the closed-loop system is globally finite-time stable and six DOF synchronisation control for SFF can be achieved. With mild modification of the proposed control scheme, the aforementioned results can be successfully extended to the containment control problem for SFF. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control protocols.