Adaptive saturated tracking control for solid launch vehicles in ascending based on differential inclusion stabilization

The large-range uncertainties of specific impulse,mass flow per second,aerodynamic coefficients and atmospheric density during rapid turning in solid launch vehicles(SLVs) ascending leads to the deviation of the actual trajectory from the reference one.One of the traditional trajectory tracking methods is to observe the uncertainties by Extended State Observer(ESO) and then modify the control commands.However,ESO cannot accurately estimate the uncertainties when the uncertainty ranges are large,which reduces the guidance accuracy.This paper introduces differential inclusion(DI) and designs a controller to solve the large-range parameter uncertainties problem.When above uncertainties have large ranges,it can be combined with the ascent dynamic equation and described as a DI system in the mathematical form of a set.If the DI system is stabilized,all the subsets are stabilized.Different from the traditional controllers,the parameters of the designed controller are calculated by the uncertain boundaries.Therefore,the controller can solve the problem of large-range parameter uncertainties of in ascending.Firstly,the ascent deviation system is obtained by linearization along the reference trajectory.The trajectory tracking system with engine parameters and aerodynamic uncertainties is described as an ascent DI system with respect to state deviation,which is called DI system.A DI adaptive saturation tracking controller(DIAST) is proposed to stabilize the DI system.Secondly,an improved barrier Lyapunov function(named time-varying tangent-log barrier Lyapunov function) is proposed to constrain the state deviations.Compared with traditional barrier Lyapunov function,it can dynamically adjust the boundary of deviation convergence,which improve the convergence rate and accuracy of altitude,velocity and LTIA deviation.In addition,the correction amplitudes of angle of attack(AOA) and angle of sideslip(AOS) need to be limited in order to guarantee that the overload constraint is not violated during actual flight.In this paper,a fixed time adaptive saturation compensation auxiliary system is designed to shorten the saturation time and accelerate the convergence rate,which eliminates the adverse effects caused by the saturation.Finally,it is proved that the state deviations are ultimately uniformly bounded under the action of DIAST controller.Simulation results show that the DI ascent tracking system is stabilized within the given uncertainty boundary values.The feasible bounds of uncertainty is broadened compared with Integrated Guidance and Control algorithm.Compared with Robust Gain-Scheduling Control method,the robustness to the engine parameters are greatly improved and the control variable is smoother.

Flight Record of the Long March Series of Launch Vehicles

(Continued) The 75th Launch On December 30, 2003, the LM-2C/SM launch vehicle launched theTance 1 (TC-1) satellite into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The satellite entered a super geosynchronous orbit . Launch Site: Xichang Satellite Launch Center Launch Result: Success At 03:06 Beijing time on December 30, the LM-2C/SM launch vehicle lifted off into space with TC-1 (equatorial satellite) and precisely sent the satellite into

Flight Record of the Long March Series of Launch Vehicles

(Continued)The 71st Launch On October 15,2003,China's first manned spaceship,Shenzhou 5,was launched by a LM-2F launch vehicle.The first Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei stayed in space for 21 hours and landed back on the Earth safely on October 16。

Flight Record of the Long March Series of Launch Vehicles

(Continued)THE 67TH LAUNCHOn May 15, 2002, a LM-4B launch vehicle lifted off with FY-1D meteorological satellite and HY-1A oceanic satellite from Tai-yuan Satellite Launch Center and

Flight Record of the Long March Series of Launch Vehicles

(Continued)THE 67TH LAUNCHOn May 15, 2002, a LM-4B launch vehicle lifted off with FY-1D meteorological satellite and HY-1A oceanic satellite from Tai-yuan Satellite Launch Center and

Flight Record of the Long March Series of Launch Vehicles

(Continued) THE 59TH LAUNCH On November 20,1999,a LM-2F launch vehicle lifted off with China’s indigenous Shenzhou 1 experimental spaceship from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.Shenzhou 1 returned to Earth on November 21 after 21 hours of in-orbit operation and circling the Earth 14 times.

Long March Launch Vehicles Promote Quick and Sound Development of Satellite Applications

INTRODUCTION Launch vehicles are a precondition and main carrier for space activities for human beings.Their development have directly promoted the technology of satellite applications,manned spaceflight,deep space exploration,and promoted the development of communication,navigation,environmental monitoring,resource exploitation,scientific research and so on.

Flight Record of the Long March Series of Launch Vehicles

(Continued) The 79th Launch On September 9, 2004, a LM-4B launch vehicle launched two satellites, SJ-6A and SJ-6B, into space both for space environment exploration from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The two satellites entered their preset sun synchronous orbits. Launch Site: Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center Launch Result: Success At 07:14 Beijing time on September 9, the LM-4B launch vehicle was launched into space with SJ-6A and SJ-6B on board.

Robust Attitude Control for Reusable Launch Vehicles Based on Fractional Calculus and Pigeon-inspired Optimization

In this paper, a robust attitude control system based on fractional order sliding mode control and dynamic inversion approach is presented for the reusable launch vehicle(RLV)during the reentry phase. By introducing the fractional order sliding surface to replace the integer order one, we design robust outer loop controller to compensate the error introduced by inner loop controller designed by dynamic inversion approach. To take the uncertainties of aerodynamic parameters into account,stochastic robustness design approach based on the Monte Carlo simulation and Pigeon-inspired optimization is established to increase the robustness of the controller. Some simulation results are given out which indicate the reliability and effectiveness of the attitude control system.

Hierarchical structured robust adaptive attitude controller design for reusable launch vehicles

Reentry attitude control for reusable launch vehicles （RLVs） is challenging due to the characters of fast nonlinear dy- namics and large flight envelop. A hierarchical structured attitude control system for an RLV is proposed and an unpowered RLV con- trol model is developed. Then, the hierarchical structured control frame consisting of attitude controller, compound control strategy and control allocation is presented. At the core of the design is a robust adaptive control （RAC） law based on dual loop time-scale separation. A radial basis function neural network （RBFNN） is implemented for compensation of uncertain model dynamics and external disturbances in the inner loop. And then the robust op- timization is applied in the outer loop to guarantee performance robustness. The overall control design frame retains the simplicity in design while simultaneously assuring the adaptive and robust performance. The hierarchical structured robust adaptive con- troller （HSRAC） incorporates flexibility into the design with regard to controller versatility to various reentry mission requirements. Simulation results show that the improved tracking performance is achieved by means of RAC.

Six-DOF trajectory optimization for reusable launch vehicles via Gauss pseudospectral method

To be close to the practical flight process and increase the precision of optimal trajectory, a six-degree-offreedom（6-DOF） trajectory is optimized for the reusable launch vehicle（RLV） using the Gauss pseudospectral method（GPM）. Different from the traditional trajectory optimization problem which generally considers the RLV as a point mass, the coupling between translational dynamics and rotational dynamics is taken into account. An optimization problem is formulated to minimize a performance index subject to 6-DOF equations of motion, including translational and rotational dynamics. A two-step optimal strategy is then introduced to reduce the large calculations caused by multiple variables and convergence confinement in 6-DOF trajectory optimization. The simulation results demonstrate that the 6-DOF trajectory optimal strategy for RLV is feasible.

Intelligent and Autonomous Flight Technology for Launch Vehicles

This paper proposes the architecture of an intelligent flight launcher system as well as fundamental solutions to capability prediction and dynamic planning. This effort reflects the latest progress in the applications of intelligent and autonomous technology for launcher flights. The paper first describes the characteristics and capabilities of intelligent and autonomous systems and classifies various related technologies. In the context of intelligent and autonomous technology in aerospace engineering, it then focuses on technical difficulties involved with intelligent flight and reviews developments in the field. An E^3 classification model of an intelligent flight launcher is then proposed and its application scenarios are discussed. Based on an intelligent flight system configuration of the launcher, the online trajectory planning and initial value guess are examined, and vertical landing is provided as an example to explain the effects of the implementation of computational intelligence to flight systems.

LM-11--The Main Force in China＇s Small Launch Vehicles for Commercial Launch

The Long March 11 launch vehicle(LM-11) is the only solid launch vehicle within China's new-generation launch vehicle series, enabling a full spectrum of Chinese launch vehicles. Compared with other China's LM series launch vehicles, it has the shortest launch preparation time. With the characteristics of appropriate launch capability, quick response, easy-to-use, flexible operation, universal interface and strong task adaptability, LM-11 can better meet the launch requirements for various small networking satellite, replacement and for emergency use. After four successful launches, LM-11 has become the main Chinese launch vehicle oriented to the international small satellite commercial launch market.

Effect of Fuselage Cross Section on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Reusable Launch Vehicles

An experimental study on examining aerodynamic characteristics of fuselage cross sections for RLVs (Reusable Launch Vehicles) was conducted at Mach number 0.3, 0.9 and 4.0 in the wind tunnel of ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). Three bodies, having the same projected area and length, with and without a set of fins, were tested. Their cross sections are a circle, a square and a triangle with rounded corners. The results showed that the fuselage cross sections had large effects on aerodynamic characteristics in subsonic and transonic flow. The lift coefficient of the model having the triangular cross section with a set of the fins was larger than that of the others in high angles of attack region due to contributions of the separation vortices generated from the fuselage expanding to the wing surface.

Compensated acceleration feedback based active disturbance rejection control for launch vehicles

In this paper, the attitude tracking and load relief control problems against wind disturbances and uncertain aerodynamics as well as the engine thrust of launch vehicles are studied.Firstly, a framework of Compensated Acceleration Feedback based Active Disturbance Rejection Control(CAF-ADRC) is established to achieve both desired attitude tracking and load relief performances. In particular, the total disturbance that includes the effects caused by both aerocoefficient perturbations and disturbances is estimated by constructing an Extended State Observer(ESO) to achieve attitude tracking. Furthermore, combined with the normal acceleration due to the engine thrust, the accelerometer measurement is also compensated to enhance the load relief effect.Secondly, the quantitative analysis of ESO and the entire closed-loop system are studied. It can be concluded that the desired attitude tracking and load relief performances can be achieved simultaneously under the proposed approach. Besides, tuning laws of the proposed approach are systematically given, which are divided into ESO, Proportional Derivative(PD) and Compensated Acceleration Feedback(CAF) modules. Moreover, the performances under CAF-ADRC approach can be better than those under CAF based PD(CAF-PD) approach by tuning load relief gain.Finally, the approach presented is applied to a typical control problem of launch vehicles with wind disturbances and parameter uncertainties.

Trajectory Design and Flight Result of Gravity-1 Launch Vehicle

Gravity-1(YL-1) launch vehicle completed its maiden flight from the Yellow Sea near Haiyang City, Shandong Province, on January 11, 2024, this mission successfully launched three Yunyao satellites into their 500 km orbit. The YL-1 has a performance of 4.2 tons for 500 km sun-synchronous orbit and 6.5 tons for low Earth orbit. The success of YL-1 has further enriched China's launch vehicle spectrum, and will facilitate the launch of medium and large satellites and satellite constellations. In this paper, the flight ballistic solution of YL-1 is introduced. The flight trajectory consists of seven flight segments. The trajectory design comprehensively considered the characteristics and safety requirements of the vehicle to achieve effective utilization of the performance. Through comparative analysis of the flight trajectory and the predicted trajectory, the result confirmed that the flight trajectory was consistent with the design results, the design methodology was correct, and the flight test met the expected requirements. Subsequently, the vehicle will be employed for commercial application launch services.

Technical Characteristics and Innovations of the Gravity-1 Launch Vehicle

On January 11, 2024, the Gravity-1 launch vehicle successfully carried out its maiden flight from a mobile sea platform off the coast of Haiyang in Shandong Province, sending three meteorological satellites, Yunyao-1 satellite No. 18-20, into an orbit about 500 km above the ground. The successful debut flight of Gravity-1 broke many records such as the world's largest solid launch vehicle, the first sea-launched strap-on launch vehicle in the world, with the maximum carrying capacity of current commercial launch vehicle in China. This flight marked a big step in the field of China's commercial space launch application. A new breakthrough has been made, which is of great significance for further expanding China's diversified and large-scale launch capabilities of medium and low orbit satellites, expanding the spectrum of China's launch vehicle types, and promoting the development of space science.

Autonomous mission reconstruction during the ascending flight of launch vehicles under typical propulsion system failures

In recent years, Chinese Long March(LM) launchers have experienced several launch failures, most of which occurred in their propulsion systems, and this paper studies Autonomous Mission Reconstruction(AMRC) technology to alleviate losses due to these failures. The status of the techniques related to AMRC, including trajectory and mission planning, guidance methods,and fault tolerant technologies, are reviewed, and their features are compared, which reflect the challenges faced by AMRC technology. After a brief introduction about the failure modes of engines that can occur during flight, and the fundamentals of trajectory planning and joint optimization of the target orbit and flight path, an AMRC algorithm is proposed for geostationary transfer orbit launch missions. The algorithm evaluates the residual performance onboard, and plans new objectives and corresponding flight path by iterative guidance mode or segmented state triggered optimization methods in real-time. Three failure scenarios that have occurred during previous LM missions are simulated to check the robustness of the algorithm: imminent explosion risk of the boosters’ engines, thrust drop during the first stage of flight, and being unable to start the engine during the second stage. The payloads would fall from space according to the current design under these conditions, but they were saved with the AMRC algorithm in the simulations, which allowed the rocket to get into the target orbit as intended or the payloads were deployed in other orbits without crashing. Although spaceflight can be very unforgiving, the AMRC algorithm has the potential to avoid the total loss of a launch mission when faced with these kinds of typical failures.

Prospects of sea launches for Chinese cryogenic liquid-fueled medium-lift launch vehicles

This paper introduces the sea-launch technology of a cryogenic liquid-fueled medium-lift rocket.It first reviews the current state of sea launch technology,and then gives a brief introduction of China’s New Generation Medium-lift Launch Vehicle(NGMLV).The innovations in the NGMVL,such as responsive test and launch control,a H3 launch model,and unmanned operations,provide convenience for sea launches.Based on these innovations,this paper proposes a sea launch scheme,including the system configuration,test and launch processes,and an improved adaptive design for the rocket.Then,the launch platform is discussed in detail,which integrates the functions of sea transportation,assembly and test,as well as technical and launch areas.The layout and function divisions,fluid filling,gas supply and distribution systems,and lossless storage technology of LH2 are described in order.This breakthrough in sea launch technology will enable China to launch medium and large satellites and constellations‘both on land and sea’,especially into low-inclination Low-Earth Orbits(LEOs),and it allows China to remain competitive in the fast-paced space industry.

Smooth second-order nonsingular terminal sliding mode control for reusable launch vehicles

Purpose–The purpose of this paper is to present a sliding mode attitude controller for reusable launch vehicle(RLV)which is nonlinear,coupling,and includes uncertain parameters and external disturbances.Design/methodology/approach–A smooth second-order nonsingular terminal sliding mode(NTSM)controller is proposed for RLV in reentry phase.First,a NTSM manifold is proposed for finite-time convergence.Then a smooth second sliding mode controller is designed to establish the sliding mode.An observer is utilized to estimate the lumped disturbance and the estimation result is used for feedforward compensation in the controller.Findings–It is mathematically proved that the proposed sliding mode technique makes the attitude tracking errors converge to zero in finite time and the convergence time is estimated.Simulations are made for RLV through the assumption that aerodynamic parameters and atmospheric density are perturbed.Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy is effective,leading to promising performance and robustness.Originality/value–By the proposed controller,the second-order sliding mode is established.The attitude tracking error converges to zero in a finite time.Meanwhile,the chattering is alleviated and a smooth control input is obtained.