EXPERIMENTAL-VERIFICATION OF VIBRATION REDUCTION IN FLEXIBLE SPACECRAFT USING INPUT SHAPING

The performance of many spacecraft can be improved by using closed-loo p control and command-shaping techniques. However, because little info rmation exists about the operation of controlled structures in zero gr avity, it is difficult for designers to anticipate and place confidenc e in the on-orbit performance of their ground-based control designs, T o address this issue, the middeck active control experiment was conduc ted aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor in March of 1995. The results of the command shaping experiments implemented during the mission are pr esented, and guidelines for using command shaping to suppress unwanted vibration in flexible space structures are proposed.