Session
Pre-Conference Poster Session II
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Attitude control is often a requirement for the optimal functionality of satellite payloads. The McMaster Neutron Dosimetry and Exploration (NEUDOSE) mission aims to measure charged and neutral radiation in Low Earth Orbit. NEUDOSE can detect particles effectively from any direction due to its spherical symmetry, meaning unlike most satellite missions, it does not require attitude control to function. The attitude is still crucial for the mission in order to achieve optimal communication. The NEUDOSE satellite utilizes Ultra High Frequency and Very High Frequency dipole antennas for communication. If the satellite’s attitude lines up in a specific orientation, communication will be hindered due to the nature of the antenna’s radiation pattern. With short access times to the ground station, and relatively small amounts of data being transferred, effective communication is important for the success of the mission. Initially the NEUDOSE mission had an active attitude control system, but with the lack of pointing requirements for the payload’s operation, and a stringent power budget, the active system was removed. A passive magnetic attitude control system was then explored as a solution to optimize communication, without adding much complexity or burden on the power budget.
Paper for Passive Attitude Control to Decrease CubeSatellite Complexity
Passive Attitude Control to Decrease CubeSatellite Complexity
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Attitude control is often a requirement for the optimal functionality of satellite payloads. The McMaster Neutron Dosimetry and Exploration (NEUDOSE) mission aims to measure charged and neutral radiation in Low Earth Orbit. NEUDOSE can detect particles effectively from any direction due to its spherical symmetry, meaning unlike most satellite missions, it does not require attitude control to function. The attitude is still crucial for the mission in order to achieve optimal communication. The NEUDOSE satellite utilizes Ultra High Frequency and Very High Frequency dipole antennas for communication. If the satellite’s attitude lines up in a specific orientation, communication will be hindered due to the nature of the antenna’s radiation pattern. With short access times to the ground station, and relatively small amounts of data being transferred, effective communication is important for the success of the mission. Initially the NEUDOSE mission had an active attitude control system, but with the lack of pointing requirements for the payload’s operation, and a stringent power budget, the active system was removed. A passive magnetic attitude control system was then explored as a solution to optimize communication, without adding much complexity or burden on the power budget.
