Mathematical Problems in Engineering 
Volume 2 (1996), Issue 4, Pages 277-299
doi:10.1155/S1024123X9600035X

Impulsive controllability of linear dynamical systems with applications to maneuvers of spacecraft

Xinzhi Liu and Allan R. Willms

 Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo N2L 3G1, Ontario, Canada
Received 14 June 1995

Abstract

Necessary and sufficient conditions for impulsive controllability of linear dynamical systems are obtained, which provide a novel approach to problems that are basically defined by continuous dynamical systems, but on which only discrete-time actions are exercised. As an application, impulsive maneuvering of a spacecraft is discussed.