Session
Poster Session 1
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
This work presents the development and validation of a low-cost attitude determination approach for small satellites operating in low Earth orbit using only magnetometer data. The proposed method leverages measurements of Earth’s magnetic field collected by onboard magnetometers in conjunction with orbital information processed on the ground. By comparing observed magnetic field vectors with reference values generated from the World Magnetic Model, the system estimates the satellite’s orientation with minimal onboard processing requirements. The resulting attitude solution is then transmitted back to the spacecraft for potential use in attitude control or mission planning.
Because all computation occurs on the ground, this approach reduces onboard complexity, mass, and power consumption—making it particularly well-suited for resource-constrained CubeSat missions. To evaluate performance, attitude and magnetometer data from a previous satellite mission are used to test and refine the algorithm under realistic orbital conditions. The method is being applied and validated through Texas State University’s PROVES mission, demonstrating a practical, scalable framework for magnetic-only attitude determination that supports the growing need for affordable and reliable small satellite operations.
Document Type
Event
Included in
Ground-Based Magnetic Attitude Determination for Low-Cost CubeSat Missions
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
This work presents the development and validation of a low-cost attitude determination approach for small satellites operating in low Earth orbit using only magnetometer data. The proposed method leverages measurements of Earth’s magnetic field collected by onboard magnetometers in conjunction with orbital information processed on the ground. By comparing observed magnetic field vectors with reference values generated from the World Magnetic Model, the system estimates the satellite’s orientation with minimal onboard processing requirements. The resulting attitude solution is then transmitted back to the spacecraft for potential use in attitude control or mission planning.
Because all computation occurs on the ground, this approach reduces onboard complexity, mass, and power consumption—making it particularly well-suited for resource-constrained CubeSat missions. To evaluate performance, attitude and magnetometer data from a previous satellite mission are used to test and refine the algorithm under realistic orbital conditions. The method is being applied and validated through Texas State University’s PROVES mission, demonstrating a practical, scalable framework for magnetic-only attitude determination that supports the growing need for affordable and reliable small satellite operations.
