Kota Kondo MIT AeroAstro 近藤耕太

Research Projects

Nonlinear Model Predictive Detumbling of Under-actuated Satellites

We proposed an innovative approach to detumble satellites’ triple-axis angular velocities with only one single-axis magnetic torquer. Since magnetic torque is generated perpendicularly to magnetorquers, no intended control torque along the magnetorquer can be produced, which makes systems underactuated. Our paper introduces a control method using Model Predictive Control (MPC) and compares it with B-dot control algorithm. By applying these control laws to Kyushu University Light Curve Inversion (Q-Li) Demonstration Satellite in numerical simulations, we describe the applicability of these control laws to underactuated systems.

Pulse Width Modulation Method Applied to NMPC

We employed the C/GMRES method to solve the real-time optimal problem, an essential part of any MPC approach. This method creates smooth, continuous control inputs; however, control actuators, in our case magnetic torquers, might have trouble producing such control inputs. We, therefore, applied the PWM method to discretize the smooth inputs and make them actuator-friendly. Although this discretization adds another layer of implementation difficulty, this paper successfully shows its feasibility through simulation results.

Awards

Scholarships

Funai Overseas Scholarship
- Funded two full years of tuition, living stipend, insurance costs, and travel for graduate studies
The James H.M. Sprayregen Scholarship
- supported to attend Aerospace conferences in Florida, Japan, and Australia
U.S. - Japan Council TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship
- Endowed $18,000 based on academic achievement to study at University of Michigan
International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading Foundation Scholarship
- Funded a one-year tuition senior year for academic excellence in aeronautics and aerospace engineering

Prizes

Yamakawa Prize (President’s Award), Kyushu University
- Awarded excellent academic record and acts for humanity, sociability, and internationally
Dean’s Award (Top 2% freshman GPA), Kyushu University

Publications

Journal Paper

Kondo, K., Kolmanovsky, I., Yoshimura, Y., Bando, M., Nagasaki, S., Hanada, T., “Nonlinear Model Predictive Detumbling of Small Satellites with a Single-axis Magnetic Actuator,” JGCD, Vol. 44, No. 6 (2021), pp. 1211-1218 doi: doi/abs/10.2514/1.G005877

Conference Paper

Kondo, K., Yoshimura, Y., Nagasaki, S., Hanada, T., “Pulse Width Modulation Method Applied to Nonlinear Model Predictive Control on an Under-actuated Small Satellite,” 2021 AIAA SciTech Forum, Nashville, US, 2021.
Kondo, K., Yoshimura, Y., Bando M., Nagasaki, S., Hanada, T., “Model Predictive Approach for Detumbling an Underactuated Satellite” 2020 AIAA SciTech Forum, Florida, US, 2020.
Kondo, K., Yoshimura, Y., Bando M., Nagasaki, S., Hanada, T.,“Detumbling with Model Predictive Control for an Underactuated Small Satellite,” AIAA Region VII – Australia/International Student Conference, Australia, 2019.

Conference Poster

Kondo, K., Yoshimura, Y., Bando M., Nagasaki, S., Hanada, T., “Detumbling of Small Satellites with a Single-Axis Magnetorquer” Proceedings of 63th Space Sciences and Technology Conference, Tokushima, Japan, 2019.