ProjectsBackground Information
The Cloud CubeSat of GSFC needs to achieve three-axis stability so that its cameras and scientific instruments can be accurately aligned with their subjects. It will contain 3 coils of wire, all perpendicular to each other. When a current is put through a coil, it behaves as a magnetic dipole. The magnetic field of the coil interacts with the magnetic field of the Earth, causing the satellite to torque.
This project aims to create a magnetorquing system that will use the inputs of the solar sensor and a magnetometer to determine where the sun is and rotates the satellite to that position. It should then remain with the desired face of the satellite pointing toward the sun.
The orientation of the CubeSat throughout its orbit (Image courtesy of GSFC)
Our process to create a control program began with just modeling the motion of the satellite as if it were stationary, without any translational motion. The actual satellite will be launched into a low-earth orbit(LEO) with an altitude of about 700 km. This orbit will be sun synchronous, meaning that it will pass a certain point on the earth (the equator, for example) at the same local time each day. We added a model with some possible orbits which the satellite might take in order to create the plant on which to mount our control algorithm. Examples of our programs can be found here, and more information on our control algorithm is located here.