Abstract
A method is described for the simultaneous large angle maneuver and vibration suppression of flexible spacecraft. The control action is carried out in two independent systems, one system performing the maneuvers and the other system controlling the elastic motion. The vibration is suppressed using Natural Control. It is shown that Natural Control of the elastic modes does not distort the maneuver because Natural Control conserves the spacecraft linear and angular momenta. Thus, the maneuver can be designed and performed independent of the flexible mode control. The method applies to control forces generated by either discrete (in space) actuators or distributed actuators.