Analyzing the effects of attitude errors when quantifying the on-orbit performance of a CubeSat micropropulsion system

CubeSats and small satellites have become popular methods of performing space research. Accordingly, interest has also grown in designing micropropulsion systems to increase the lifespan of these satellites. This work describes the framework for analyzing the effects of imperfect attitude determination and control when quantifying the on-orbit performance of a micropropulsion system. The Gauss variation of parameters equations were implemented to model the orbital mechanics, with perturbing models for the zonal harmonics, atmospheric drag, and solar radiation pressure included. Two common sources for imperfections in a spacecraft\u27s attitude were considered. The first was to consider the effect of the spacecraft having poor pointing, done by varying the direction of the thrust due to attitude control errors. The second was to consider the effects of the accuracy of the attitude determination method, by incorporating sensor noise to the magnetometer and the Sun sensors used in the Quaternion Estimator (QUEST) algorithm --Abstract, page iii