Robust control using neural networks and backstepping technique for a satellite's orientation system

Authors

  • Francisco Emmanuel Vázquez Dueñas Departamento de Investigación en Física, Universidad de Sonora. Blvd. Luis Encinas J. y Rosales S/N, Colonia Centro, C.P. 83000, Hermosillo, Sonora, México.
    Competing Interests

    The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

  • Ricardo Ramón Pérez Alcocer Departamento de Investigación en Física, Universidad de Sonora. Blvd. Luis Encinas J. y Rosales S/N, Colonia Centro, C.P. 83000, Hermosillo, Sonora, México. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1543-3701
    Competing Interests

    The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

  • Luis Arturo García Delgado Departamento de Investigación en Física, Universidad de Sonora. Blvd. Luis Encinas J. y Rosales S/N, Colonia Centro, C.P. 83000, Hermosillo, Sonora, México. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4175-4373
    Competing Interests

    The author declares no conflict of interest

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37636/recit.v9n3e485

Keywords:

Satellite, Orientation control, Neural networks, Backstepping, Nonlinear systems

Abstract

Satellites have become the cornerstones of global infrastructure. From GPS navigation and broadband telecommunications to critical climate monitoring, their use is essential for daily life. This paper presents a proposed adaptive control system based on neural networks, designed using backstepping control theory. The proposed control scheme simplifies implementation while adding robustness to the closed-loop system. To validate the controller's performance, numerical simulations were performed using the mathematical model of the ESEO satellite. This validation included a case study where the closed-loop system was affected by an external disturbance. The simulation results demonstrate the correct operation of the proposed control scheme, where the satellite achieves and maintains a desired orientation despite the disturbance. The performance is compared to backstepping control, and the RMS values ​​obtained from the error signals support the advantages of the proposed control. Additionally, an animation system developed to present the simulation results more clearly to non-specialists is described. 

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References

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3D model of the ESEO satellite visually showing the coordinate axes of the orbital (o) and satellite (b) reference frames.

Published

2026-08-04

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

How to Cite

Vázquez Dueñas, F. E., Pérez Alcocer, R. R., & García Delgado, L. A. (2026). Robust control using neural networks and backstepping technique for a satellite’s orientation system. Revista De Ciencias Tecnológicas, 9(3), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.37636/recit.v9n3e485

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