Satellite Attitude Control using a Combined Attitude and Thermal Control System with Active Force Control

S. B. Alkhodari et al. (2010), JBIS, 63, pp.243-248

Refcode: 2010.63.243
Keywords: Spacecraft, attitude control, thermal control, CATCS, AFC control, PI-control

Abstract:
This paper is an extension of a previous work that appeared in JBIS for a 3-axis attitude control for small satellites using a Combined Attitude and Thermal Control System (CATCS). The Active Force Control (AFC), through estimating the external disturbance force exerted on the satellite is applied together with the Proportional-Integral (PI) controller to enhance the satellite attitude control. The AFC-PI attitude control architecture is implemented independently (decoupled) for the 3-axis attitude control and tested to ensure that the satellites mission can be accomplished. Simulation results show that the system attitude response can be improved through the AFC-PI control strategy vs. using the PI-controller only.