Session
Technical Session X: Attitude Determination & Control
Abstract
This paper addresses the need to develop small satellite technology which will enable small satellites to perform large satellite missions. The Center for Aerospace Technology (CAST) at Weber State University (WSU) has an 18 year history of small satellite innovation. Previous satellites include: NUSAT, WEBERSAT, and PHASE 3d. CAST is currently fabricating two new small satellites with advanced capabilities. CATSAT, a USRA program, will determine the origin of gamma-ray bursts and is a joint project with the University of New Hampshire and the University of Leicister in England. JAWSAT, a joint project with the U.S. Air Force Academy, will be the first payload launched by a converted minuteman missile. Both missions require active attitude determination and control previously unavailable for satellites of this class. In support of these two missions CAST has undertaken the task of developing satellite instrumentation designed specifically for small satellite applications. Size, weight, power consumption and cost minimization were incorporated into the design philosophy. New enabling technology includes the use of the State-Sampled Network for sensor integration, attitude determination and attitude control. The overall development history is chronicled with emphasis relating to issues of reliability and acceptance testing.
Low-Cost Attitude Determination and Control for Small Satellites
This paper addresses the need to develop small satellite technology which will enable small satellites to perform large satellite missions. The Center for Aerospace Technology (CAST) at Weber State University (WSU) has an 18 year history of small satellite innovation. Previous satellites include: NUSAT, WEBERSAT, and PHASE 3d. CAST is currently fabricating two new small satellites with advanced capabilities. CATSAT, a USRA program, will determine the origin of gamma-ray bursts and is a joint project with the University of New Hampshire and the University of Leicister in England. JAWSAT, a joint project with the U.S. Air Force Academy, will be the first payload launched by a converted minuteman missile. Both missions require active attitude determination and control previously unavailable for satellites of this class. In support of these two missions CAST has undertaken the task of developing satellite instrumentation designed specifically for small satellite applications. Size, weight, power consumption and cost minimization were incorporated into the design philosophy. New enabling technology includes the use of the State-Sampled Network for sensor integration, attitude determination and attitude control. The overall development history is chronicled with emphasis relating to issues of reliability and acceptance testing.
