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.

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May 13th, 9:50 AM

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.