Abstract: The attitude control of a flexible satellite with system parameter uncertain and disturbances was investigated. A variable structure intelligent controller based on the radial basis function (RBF) neural network and the cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) was designed. By using the merit of insensitivity to model error, parameter uncertain and disturbances of variable structure controller systems, in combination with the characteristics of quick approximation to unknown functions and good generalization ability of neural networks, the controller overcomes the influences of parameter uncertain and disturbances, and achieves the effective control of the flexible satellite. Simulation results show that the proposed control algorithm can improve the attitude accuracy and response speed of the flexible satellite.