Survey on flexible satellite: dynamic analysis, challenges and attitude control strategies

With the increasing development of space technology applications and the consequent increase in the requirements of space missions, many satellites have changed their nature from rigid to flexible structures. Attitude control of flexible satellites is more challenging than rigid satellites. This survey examines the challenges and architectures of flexible satellites and analyzes their dynamic behavior. Moreover, a comprehensive review of various attitude control approaches which have been proposed by researchers in recent years for flexible satellites has been done and the advantages and disadvantages of each of them are compared and evaluated to other approaches. Finally, based on the conducted survey, some recommendations have been made for designing an appropriate attitude controller strategy for flexible satellites.