Formulation of Torque-Optimal Guidance Trajectories for a CubeSat with Degraded Reaction Wheels

Siddharth Kedare, Steve Ulrich
2016 AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference   unpublished
This paper presents the theory and design of a torque-optimal guidance algorithm for CubeSat applications. CubeSats and nano-satellites provide mission-flexible low-cost platforms for the academic and scientific communities to conduct cutting-edge research in the harsh environment of space. The mission life of nano-satellites may be limited by the attitude actuators, and it is therefore beneficial to reduce torque and angular momentum usage during reorientation maneuvers. The algorithm focuses
more » ... n being computationally lightweight and robust, while including the effects of gyroscopic moments, environmental torques, and degraded reaction wheels. Results indicate that this torque-optimal guidance algorithm demonstrates substantial improvements in performance and pointing accuracy over an Eigenaxis controller for similar maneuvers, with low to moderate computational overhead. In doing so, it presents a significant advancement towards the development of intelligent GN&C systems for small satellites.
doi:10.2514/6.2016-0088 fatcat:5bzwp3n2qnbtzeenpsy72bvgz4