Sector-Bounded Control of Small Satellite Formations in Low Earth Orbits

This paper presents a sector-bounded robust control approach for small satellite formations in Low Earth Orbit. Using the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire model augmented with sector bounds for nonlinearities and disturbances, we synthesize computationally efficient constant-gain controllers via linear matrix inequalities. The method guarantees asymptotic stability while maintaining low computational complexity suitable for resource-constrained satellites. Simulation results demonstrate successful formation control with minimal thrust requirements.