A Passivity-Based Approach for Simulating Satellite Dynamics With Robots: Discrete-Time Integration and Time-Delay Compensation

This article proposes a passivity-based approach for simulating satellite dynamics on a position-controlled robot equipped with a force-torque sensor. Time delays intrinsic in the computational loop and discrete-time integration degrade the behavior of the satellite dynamics reproduced by the robot. These factors can generate an energy-inconsistent simulation and can even render the system unstable. In this article, time delay and discrete-time integration effects are analyzed from an energetic perspective and compensated through a passivity-based control strategy to ensure a faithful and stable dynamic simulation with position-controlled robots. The benefit of the proposed strategy is validated by simulations and experiments on the On-Orbit Servicing Simulator (OOS-SIM), a robotic facility used for simulating free-floating dynamics.