<h2>AAS 95-447</h2><h2>Potential Function Methods for Autonomous Spacecraft Guidance and Control</h2><h4>C. R. McInnes, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland UK</h4><h2> Abstract </h2>The potential function method is presented as an extension of Lyapunov's theorem to allow path shaping for a class of spacecraft maneuvers.  The method is applied to space platform proximity motion with active obstruction avoidance, large angle attitude slews with Sun vector avoidance and the dispersal of large constellations of satellites.

Since the method provides control functions in an analytical form the method appears suitable for autonomous on-board implementation with a limited flight computer.  It is demonstrated that complex maneuvers can be controlled with rather simple on-board software.  Current and future developments of the method are discussed.
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