Subsystem to Full Satellite Attitude Determination and Control Experimental Test Platform
- Paper number
IAC-08.C1.8.10
- Author
Dr. Haithem Altwaijry, King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology (KACST), Saudi Arabia
- Year
2008
- Abstract
This paper presents a new experimental platform for satellite attitude determination and control research and development. It is based on a Ball-and-Socket air bearing table that provides unconstrained satellite rotational motion. The pressurized air flow is passed through five micro-scale air holes carefully placed inside the socket to provide the required air gap between the socket and the ball. The platform provides full freedom of spin in the yaw axis but roll and pitch motions are constrained to angles of less than plus-minus 30 degrees. A special counter balance mechanism has been designed for a wide range of payloads that can be mounted on its top table. The satellite with its counter balance structure is attached to the ball and is carefully placed on the air cushion using a special mechanism. A dedicated UHF/VHF RF link is designed to allow for remote command and control of payloads under testing. All payloads will be connected to the RF system via a CAN bus. The paper discusses the detailed description of the overall system and the challenges related to its commissioning. In addition, possible research projects that can be carried out using such advanced platform are presented including applying advanced robust control theory in future satellite attitude determination and control systems.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)