Ghorbel, Fathi H.2009-06-042009-06-042004Lowry, Nathan. "A three-pulse algorithm for minimum-fuel rotational maneuvers." (2004) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17702">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17702</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17702Spacecraft equipped with a Reaction Control System (RCS) for attitude control typically utilize a "bang-off-bang" control algorithm for rotational maneuvers. This type of algorithm, which commands two distinct control periods to initiate and terminate a maneuver, can be fuel-suboptimal for maneuvers in which neither the initial nor the final state is at rest. This work introduces a rotational control algorithm for inertially axisymmetric spacecraft that uses three distinct control periods in order to minimize propellant consumption for large-angle maneuvers with non-trivial initial and final angular rates.113 p.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Aerospace engineeringMechanical engineeringThesisTHESIS M.E. 2004 LOWRY