Single axis randomized expanding algorithm for the large angle slew planning of autonomous spacecraft

A key technology that facilitates the autonomy of the spacecraft is the capability to autonomously and optimally slew the spacecraft to a desired attitude while operating under a number of constraints referring to sensitive instruments and communication link. A single axis randomized expanding algorithm is proposed to solve the large angle slew maneuvers planning problem. Which reduces the dimension of the configuration space of this problem from 3 to 2 by well utilizing the information of the nearest node during the expanding process. Therefore, it lessens the search space in solving the problem and accelerates the convergence of the algorithm. Finally, optimize the planning result with the forward search method. Simulation example is present and validates the feasibility of the algorithm.