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CEAS EuroGNC 2026

FuzzyBuzz: Development of Fuzzy Logic and MPC Attitude Control Algorithms for Experimental Validation Onboard the ISS
Ana Laveron-Simavilla Professor, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETSI Aeronáutica y del Espacio, Madrid, Spain.
Victoria Lapuerta Professor, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETSI Aeronáutica y del Espacio, Madrid, Spain.
Karl Olfe Professor, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETSI Aeronáutica y del Espacio, Madrid, Spain.
Richard Mark Haes-Ellis Researcher, Universidad de Sevilla, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Seville, Spain.
Ignacio Alvarado Researcher, Universidad de Sevilla, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Seville, Spain.
Daniel Limon Associate Professor, Universidad de Sevilla, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Seville, Spain.
Francisco Gavilan Professor, Universidad de Sevilla, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Seville, Spain.
Rafael Vazquez Professor, Universidad de Sevilla, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Seville, Spain.
Abstract:
The advancement of autonomous spacecraft operations demands robust and efficient attitude control systems capable of meeting increasingly stringent pointing requirements while minimizing power consumption. While classical linear controllers such as PID and H-infinity have demonstrated flight heritage, emerging technologies including quantum communications and precision formation flying require superior performance that advanced nonlinear control strategies can provide. This paper presents the development and pre-flight validation of fuzzy logic and Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithms designed for experimental testing aboard the International Space Station. The paper details the experimental design using NASA's Astrobee free-flying robotic system as a validation platform for advanced attitude control algorithms. Comprehensive simulation results of fuzzy logic and MPC controllers are presented. The flight experiment protocol, operational procedures, and expected performance metrics are introduced. The paper describes the methodology for on-orbit validation planned for the end of 2026, which aims to provide experimental data for these advanced control strategies in true microgravity conditions, advancing their Technology Readiness Level for future space mission applications.
Keywords: attitude control; fuzzy logic; model predictive control; spacecraft control; microgravity experimentation; ISS; Astrobee
 View PDF CEAS-GNC-2026-077 doi: 10.82124/CEAS-GNC-2026-077


Ana Laveron-Simavilla, Victoria Lapuerta, Karl Olfe, Richard Mark Haes-Ellis, Ignacio Alvarado, Daniel Limon, Francisco Gavilan, Rafael Vazquez: FuzzyBuzz: Development of Fuzzy Logic and MPC Attitude Control Algorithms for Experimental Validation Onboard the ISS. Proceedings of the 2026 CEAS EuroGNC conference. Madrid, Spain. May 2026. doi: 10.82124/CEAS-GNC-2026-077.
BibTeX entry (UTF-8):

@Incollection{CEAS-GNC-2026-077,
    author = {Laveron-Simavilla, Ana and Lapuerta, Victoria and Olfe, Karl and Haes-Ellis, Richard Mark and Alvarado, Ignacio and Limon, Daniel and Gavilan, Francisco and Vazquez, Rafael},
    title = {FuzzyBuzz: Development of Fuzzy Logic and MPC Attitude Control Algorithms for Experimental Validation Onboard the ISS},
    booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2026 {CEAS EuroGNC} conference},
    address = {Madrid, Spain},
    month = may,
    year = {2026},
    doi = {10.82124/CEAS-GNC-2026-077}
}