A Generic Actuator Management Solution for Space Applications Based on Convex Optimization

This paper addresses a common challenge in space systems: how to effectively manage multiple actuators under demanding mission conditions. We introduce a flexible, optimization-based algorithm designed to dispatch control commands among a set of available actuators while focusing on minimizing resource usage, such as power and fuel. The method guarantees feasible solutions even in the presence of actuator failures, making it highly suitable for space applications. To illustrate its versatility, we show how the algorithm can be tailored to different mission scenarios with minimal effort. Several benchmark problems were implemented and tested on space-graded hardware for processor-in-the-loop verification. For this purpose, a customized solver was developed, ensuring high numerical efficiency. This paper highlights key results that demonstrate the algorithm’s practical value and mission readiness.