Session
Weekend Poster Session 1
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Effective attitude determination and control is often vital for the survival of solar array-powered satellites. Large spacecraft may employ powerful and accurate attitude determination and control strategies to reduce the risk of power management failures. Due to the size, weight, and power limitations of small satellites, slower and less accurate attitude determination and control instruments may be more attractive, limiting the strategies available. Consequently, many small satellite operators will turn to strategies requiring no information in the inertial frame (referred to here as "zero-knowledge" strategies) such as detumbling or spin stabilisation. While detumbling and spin stabilisation are often used, there is no guarantee that they are optimal or even safe strategies with respect to power generation.
Zero-Knowledge Tumbling Strategies for Increased Sunlight Capture on Small Satellites: Anti-Eigenvectors and the Dzhanibekov Effect
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Effective attitude determination and control is often vital for the survival of solar array-powered satellites. Large spacecraft may employ powerful and accurate attitude determination and control strategies to reduce the risk of power management failures. Due to the size, weight, and power limitations of small satellites, slower and less accurate attitude determination and control instruments may be more attractive, limiting the strategies available. Consequently, many small satellite operators will turn to strategies requiring no information in the inertial frame (referred to here as "zero-knowledge" strategies) such as detumbling or spin stabilisation. While detumbling and spin stabilisation are often used, there is no guarantee that they are optimal or even safe strategies with respect to power generation.
