Utility of Modular Attitude Determination
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
9-15-2020
Abstract
The viability of using multiple small commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) attitude determination and control systems(ADCS) is investigated to improve the performance of a 6U CubeSat. The ADCS represents one of the most complex CubeSat subsystems, which usually impels spacecraft developers to purchase a COTS unit rather than endeavor to develop a unique subsystem to fulfill mission requirements. CubeSat-sized ADCS are typically manufactured to measure 0.5U and output a maximum of 900 m N·m of torque. Consequently, CubeSat developers using larger busses routinely utilize an ADCS with undersized reaction wheels for control of their spacecraft. This research analyzes the benefits and costs of using two identical but independent COTS attitude control units, with each being closed-loopsystems that behave independently while being fixed inside the same rigid body. For the present research, we use asoftware-based system model of the Blue Canyon Technologies’ XACT as the COTS ADCS, which utilizes 4 reaction wheels in a pyramidal array. For the system model, the attitude control unit parameters use a quaternion feedback regulation control law consisting of linear feedback of error quaternions and body rates, with initial conditions set with a rotation and symmetric wheel speed configurations. Overall, control features like slew rates, settling times, and energy usage are investigated using various placements and orientations of the attitude control units with respect to each other inside a 6U CubeSat chassis.
Source Publication
2020 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS)
Recommended Citation
Lomanno, C. P., Bettinger, R. A., & Gindre, P. (2020, September). Utility of Modular Attitude Determination. 2020 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS). 2020 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS). Found in: https://doi.org/https://amostech.com/2020-technical-papers/
Comments
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While this conference series is usually hosted in Maui, Hawaii, AMOS 2020 was held virtually.