AbstractAccurate development of satellite maneuvers necessitates a broad orbital dynamical system and efficient nonlinear control techniques. For achieving the intended formation, a framework of a discrete fractional difference satellite model is constructed by the use of commensurate and non-commensurate orders for the control and synchronization of fractional-order chaotic satellite system. The efficacy of the suggested framework is evaluated employing a numerical simulation of the concerning dynamic systems of motion while taking into account multiple considerations such as Lyapunov exponent research, phase images and bifurcation schematics. With the aid of discrete nabla operators, we monitor the qualitative behavioural patterns of satellite systems in order to provide justification for the structure’s chaos. We acquire the fixed points of the proposed trajectory. At each fixed point, we calculate the eigenvalue of the satellite system’s Jacobian matrix and check for zones of instability. The outcomes exhibit a wide range of multifaceted behaviours resulting from the interaction with various fractional-orders in the offered system. Additionally, the sample entropy evaluation is employed in the research to determine complexities and endorse the existence of chaos. To maintain stability and synchronize the system, nonlinear controllers are additionally provided. The study highlights the technique’s vulnerability to fractional-order factors, resulting in exclusive, changing trends and equilibrium frameworks. Because of its diverse and convoluted behaviour, the satellite chaotic model is an intriguing and crucial subject for research.