Developing an ADCS Prototype for NTNU Test Satellite

Abstract

NUTS is a student satellite program at NTNU with a goal of launching a cube satellite into space. Students contribute through projects, master theses or voluntary work. The satellite will shoot pictures of earth with a camera that will be fixed to the satellite's body.In order to accurately point the camera towards the desired target an Attitude Determination and Control System is required. In this thesis, a prototype of the ADCS has been developed along with a platform for testing software and control algorithms. Further, the b-dot algorithm has successfully been tested using the testbed developed. B-dot is a detumbling algorithm that will be used to stop the satellite's initial spin after it is ejected from its pod.