A modular Attitude Determination System for PicoSatellites

Paper number

IAC-08.E2.2.7

Author

Mr. Oliver Kurz, Germany

Year

2008

Abstract

An attitude determination system (ADS) is a mandatory component of many satellites. The challenge of its implementation into small satellite structures is especially obvious in PicoSatellites, like the CubeSat UWE-2, which was developed at the University of Wuerzburg, Germany. The restrictions of the satellite structure as pre-defined by the CubeSat standard for cube shaped satellites with a side length of 10 cm (maximum mass: 1 kg) pose big challenges for the design and implementation of a good performing sensor system composed of multiple sensors to be used as a base for attitude determination on board the satellite.

The selection of the sensors was based on the restrictions implied by the existing satellite model and the defined size and mass limit. Special attention was paid to create a very energy efficient and highly modular system that also has the capability for implementation in other satellite structures with only minor changes.
The attitude determination system consists mainly of a three dimensional magnetometer, sun sensors, a perpendicular set of three gyrometers and an accelerometer. For higher modularity and lower noise sensibility, all sensors are connected to a central microprocessor over a digital communication bus.

To provide accurate time and position data an interconnection to a GPS receiver that is implemented for UWE-2 is prepared and integrated in the ADS structure.

Tests have been conducted to provide sensor calibration, performance evaluation and a derivation of important system parameters like power requirements and statistical sensor properties.

The following article will present the system design and present the sensors in detail. The methods for attitude determination are presented. Test results are given that show that the designed work fulfills the requirements and obeys the restrictions. The system will show its real life performance in the upcoming UWE-2 mission for which the launch is planned for mid-2008.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E2.2.7.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E2.2.7.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.