Simulation of Small Satellite Performance Using Improved Attitude Determination and Control Hardware

In this research, the attitude determination and control system (ADCS) of a small satellite is examined through a series of simulation analysis using MATLAB and Simulink. The attitude determination component involves a sub-pixel interpolated digital sun sensor that is examined through day-in-the-life analysis while the attitude control component involves a single gimbal control moment gyroscope (SGCMG) pyramid cluster examined using torque profiles of two coastline observation scenarios. Results show that the digital sun sensor improves determination capabilities up to sensor accuracy of 0.027 degrees with diminishing returns thereafter. The SGCMG pyramid cluster meets the requested torque profiles with less than 0.3 degrees of pointing error throughout the sweep. The impact of sensors on attitude determination and viability of the SGCMG cluster over reaction wheels provide a promising alternative for ACS design for small satellites where control accuracy and agility have been limited by existing attitude sensors and actuators.