Global set stabilization of the spacecraft attitude control problem based on quaternion

In this paper, we develop a global set stabilization method for the attitude control problem of spacecraft system based on quaternion. The control law that uses both optimal control and finite‐time control techniques can globally stabilize the attitude of spacecraft system to a set of equilibria. First, for the kinematic subsystem, we design a virtual optimal angular velocity. To obtain the global minimum of the performance index, this optimal angular velocity is only discontinuous in initial values. It can be regarded as a combination of open loop control and closed loop control. Then for the dynamic subsystem, we design a finite‐time control law that can force the angular velocity to track the virtual optimal angular velocity. It is proved that the closed loop system satisfies global set stability in the absence of disturbances. In the presence of disturbances, the system trajectory will converge to a neighborhood of the equilibrium set. Rigorous analysis shows that by introducing finite‐time control techniques, the closed loop system possesses a better disturbance rejection property. The control method is more natural and energy‐efficient. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by simulation results.