A general sampling-based SMPC approach to spacecraft proximity operations

This paper considers the problem of designing a control strategy for proximity operations of space systems. The considered setup is realistic, and is based on a model derived and validated on an experimental test-bed. Parametric uncertainties due to the mass variations during operations, linearization errors, and disturbances due to external space environment are simultaneously considered. The proposed control strategy is based on a novel framework for stochastic model predictive control (SMPC), extending the results based on offline sampling strategies previously developed.