Attitude Controller-Observer Design for the NTNU Test Satellite

Abstract

This report presents the results from the development and design of an Attitude Controller-Observer for the NTNU Test Satellite (NUTS). It gives an insight to mathematical modeling of satellite attitude dynamics for 3 degrees of freedom. By the different limitations of how the NUTS operates, these models are adjusted accordingly.A strategy for controlling the attitude is presented. Through an explanation of the magnetic actuators, the control laws are also adapted to work with the NUTS satellite. An attitude observer is developed, benchmarked and implemented in both a simulator and hardware.Combined, these findings are put to use in the form of a complete Simulink simulator for the satellite in orbit. Results from the control strategy, en- vironmental models and attitude estimation are given. A fully working al- gorithm for the attitude observer, developed on a microcontroller, is also included.