Steering Algorithms for Single Gimbal Control Moment Gyros in Box Configuration

A singularity problem for a single gimbal control moment gyros (SGCMGs) system in a Box configuration is analyzed. The Box configuration is affected by some singular states that cannot be escaped by using just a singularity robust inverse approach. In order to avoid this particular singular conditions two alternative steering methods are proposed, based on a real-time change of the Jacobian matrix forcing the CMGs units to exit the singular condition. Numerical simulations are presented in order to evaluate the system performances for a satellite attitude control system during prescribed attitude trajectories tracking maneuvers. The new algorithms are compared to existing steering laws and used with different null-motion methods.