Abstract
This paper proposes a new nonlinear guidance algorithm applicable for asteroid both hovering and landing. With the new guidance, a spacecraft achieves its target position and velocity in finite-time without the requirement of reference trajectories. The global stability is proven for the controlled system. A parametric analysis is conducted to illustrate the parameters’ effects on the guidance algorithm. Simulations of straight landing, hovering to hovering and landing with a prior hovering phase of the highly irregular asteroid 2063 Bacchus are presented and the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated.
•The guidance algorithm is applicable for both asteroid hovering and landing.•The global stability of the system with uncertainties and disturbances is proven.•The upper bound of the total flight time can be analytically estimated.