Validation, Verification & Upgrading of Southampton University Formation Flying Test-bed

Paper number

IAC-06-C1.P.6.01

Author

Mr. Jonathan Stephens, University of Southampton, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Christian Abelsson, Consultant, Sweden

Coauthor

Mr. Peter Ashworth, University of Southampton, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Jeremie Bach, University of Southampton, France

Coauthor

Mr. Manoj Marathe, University of Southampton, United Kingdom

Year

2006

Abstract

Formation flying technologies enable higher resolution stereoscopic imagery and open up new prospects in interferometry, such as the interferometric imaging of stars and distant planets as well as providing higher levels of systems redundancy and lower overall launch costs. The purpose of formation flying test-beds is to enable testing of the compatibility and functioning of the hardware and control algorithms onboard each satellite and validating the dynamics and robustness of the formation flying system.

This paper will discuss the design upgrades needed to complete the formation flying test-bed at the University, as well as the methods required to successfully validate and verify the test-bed system. The project, sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council in the UK, has been advanced by previous final year group projects at Masters level for the lastthree years. Previous work has resulted in a basic control system of three mock-up nano-satellites that are adaptable to different formation control and hardware system configurations.

In order to simulate the space environment and satellite dynamics more realistically, a new test-bed table has been chosen with lower surface roughness properties and an air based propulsion system using fans has been replaced with a cold gas propulsion system, using Kevlar propellant storage tanks Argon gas, the chosen propellant. Further to nano-satellite system upgrades, a stereovision system has been designed to allow for validating of the system dynamics.

In order to thoroughly test the system, the system validation has been split into two phases; mock-up satellite frames testing (MSFT), and hardware in the loop testing (HILT). The former, MSFT, involves testing of the processors and communication electronics within the mock-up satellite frames, while moving across the test-bed table with varying attitude. This allows testing of the compatibility and functioning of the key onboard system components as well as assessing system reliability. HILT involves testing the control algorithms, as they would be used in space, through hardware in the loop simulations using simulated real-time sensor, actuator and satellite dynamics information. This method complements MSFT and increases the thoroughness of the testing strategy.

The aim of this project is to successfully employ an effective testing methodology to validate and complete the test-bed system.

Abstract document

IAC-06-C1.P.6.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-C1.P.6.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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