A CubeSat Reaction Wheel-Based Attitude Control System

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Berkay Dean

Abstract or Description

The design of an affordable, space-conservative, three-axis attitude control system for a Cube Satellite (CubeSat) is presented. CubeSats are small satellites measuring 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm per unit. Reorientation and stabilization are critical to all spacecrafts; however, positioning presents a significant challenge for miniaturized satellites. Widely used attitude control components such as magnetorquers and reaction wheels are expensive. This project utilizes 3D-printed components, including reaction wheels, and affordable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to achieve accurate attitude control. Here, we provide analysis of common control-system algorithms and evidence of an accurate attitude control system through prototype testing. Future research involves improvements through shrinking hardware, as well as a trade-off study of various control algorithms.