Location
University of Utah
Start Date
5-13-2002 9:50 AM
Description
A low-cost three-axis attitude determination estimator well suited for small spacecraft with relaxed pointing constraints is presented. The new estimator incorporates solar panel data to increase observability and improve convergence of a magnetometer-based extended Kalman filter. In extensive Monte-Carlo simulation, the filter converges from any initial orientation to a total angle error of 1.6° (la) within one orbit. Although designed for use aboard Utah State University's USUSAT, the system is generically applicable to spacecraft with body-mounted solar panels in inclined low-earth orbits.
Attitude Determination for Small Satellites Using Magnetometer and Solar Panel Data
University of Utah
A low-cost three-axis attitude determination estimator well suited for small spacecraft with relaxed pointing constraints is presented. The new estimator incorporates solar panel data to increase observability and improve convergence of a magnetometer-based extended Kalman filter. In extensive Monte-Carlo simulation, the filter converges from any initial orientation to a total angle error of 1.6° (la) within one orbit. Although designed for use aboard Utah State University's USUSAT, the system is generically applicable to spacecraft with body-mounted solar panels in inclined low-earth orbits.