Attitude Sensing, Actuation, and Control of the BRITE and CanX-4&5 Satellites

An attitude control system for the BRITE and CanX-4&5 nanosatellites is developed. BRITE and CanX-4&5 are research satellites based on the Space Flight Laboratory’s Generic Nanosatellite Bus, devoted to the study of star brightness and formation flying, respectively. Novel low-cost testing procedures are developed and used to characterize satellite sensor and actuator performance. The algorithm governing the pointing of CanX-4&5 is enhanced based on preliminary simulation results. A linear-time invariant controller architecture, applicable to both BRITE and CanX-4&5, is designed based on simulation of several competing controllers. Testing information is combined with control laws and controller to simulate the attitude performance of the satellites throughout their missions.MAS