Control of large space structures using GPS - Modal parameter identification and attitude and deformation estimation

This paper proposes a method for identifying the modal parameters of large space structures and estimating their attitude and deformation using kinematic GPS. The Eigensystem Realization Algorithm method is used for the modal parameter identification, and for attitude and deformation estimation, we adopt the Kalman filter based on the identified system dynamics. The proposed method was evaluated through computer simulations and in ground-based experiments, and the results confirmed its feasibility. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.