Active Control Technique Evaluation for Spacecraft (ACES)

Abstract
This report describes the Active Control Technique Evaluation for Spacecraft (ACES) Program. Three Large Space Structures control system design techniques, developed under the Active Control of Space Structures (ACOSS) program, were compared. The three techniques included Filter Accommodated Model Error Sensitivity Suppression (FAMESS), High Authority Control/Low Authority Control (HAC/LAC), and Positivity. The comparison was accomplished both analytically and experimentally. Each controller was implemented and tested at the NASA/MSFC Large Space Structure Ground Test Facility on the ACES test article. The design and implementation of each controller were performed under identical conditions. The identical control model, sensor/actuator complement, computer, disturbances, and performance criteria were applied to each control design/evaluation. Topics discussed in the report include the test article and laboratory, modeling and dynamic testing, simulation, control design, implementation, test results, and controller evaluation.