Evaluation of Magnetic Attitude control with Air-Bearing simulator

Abstract

In this paper, the three-axis magnetic attitude control using PD and LQR control laws have been studied in a lab environment. Evaluation of the magnetic attitude control with this control laws is done by a "three degrees of freedom air-bearing simulator". Developed dynamic and kinematic equations to be used in actual simulator are evaluated by open loop test. Then control laws evaluated by comparing close loop simulation and laboratory test. Due to the inherent simulator limitations, magnetic attitude control only possible in the yaw axis. Laboratory test results indicate the improved and accurate performance of LQR control law for most satellite missions. Therefore by generalized LQR controller, three-axis simulation was performed for a satellite.

Keywords

• magnetorquer
• magnetic attitude control
• adcs simulator
• air bearing