AOCS of a nanosatellite type CubeSat 1U based on reaction wheels

The European Agency is currently developing a 3U CubeSat, aimed to transmit to Earth well-defined reference signals which will be used to calibrate ground-based Cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarimeters. In order to establish reliable communication with the ground based stations, this CubeSat's orientation must be highly accurate. In order to achieve the required accuracy, the development of an Attitude Orbit Control System (AOCS) based on reaction wheels was proposed. Once in operation, this system will orientate and control the nanosatellite into the desired position. The goal of this Bachelor's Thesis is to design and test the AOCS system in 1 axis with reaction wheels. The detailed design involves the definition of components, as well as the design of a proportional integral and derivative (PID) controller to direct the system and test its performance. Once the complete design and successful tests are performed, the system will be on board of the 3U ESA CubeSat.Outgoin