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Summary: ADCS stands for Attitude Determination and Control Systems, which in basic terms is how a satellite orients itself in orbit. For optical and communication systems orientation is essential to being fully functional. Spacecraft control is an important concern and it is what motivates our ADCS group. We look into various types of control such as Spin Stabilization, Gravity Gradient, Three-Axis Control, and Formation flight. To achieve these control modes we utilize technology such as Reaction Wheel Assemblies, Control Moment Gyroscopes, Magnetic Torque Rods, and Thrusters. The control equipment itself is comprised of sensors like GPS, Star Trackers, Limb Sensors, Rate Gyros, and inertial measurement units. Control Systems utilize flight dynamics such as Euler Angles, and Quaternions.
Terminology:
| Term | Definition | Influence |
|---|---|---|
Attitude | orientation of satellite | must be controlled to support mission requirements |
| Angular Momentum | momentum of object about a fixed point | must be managed through use of attitude control actuators |
| Control Moment Gyroscope | multi-axis system of a suspended flywheel for attitude control | used for attitude control of sophisticated satellites |
| Detumble | process of reducing the rotation of a recently deployed satellite | first responsibility of the ADCS system |
| Euler Angles | classical system of describing an attitude | defines angular position of CubeSat |
| Gyroscope Sensor | sensor used to detect rotation rate of system | used as an input to control systems |
| Low Earth Orbit (LEO) | typical CubeSat orbit (also orbit for ISS) | sets objective height for CubeSat deployment |
| Magnetometer | measures the magnetic field | used as an input to control magnetorquers |
| Magnetorquer | solenoid that produces magnetic field | used to interact with the Earth's magnetic field to torque satellite |
| Pointing Accuracy | difference between actual attitude and desired attitude | primary performance criteria for ADCS |
| Quaternion | more advanced representation of angular position | used for control system computation |
| Reaction Wheels | flywheels used to store or dissipate angular momentum | need a minimum of three of CubeSat orientation |
| Sun Sensor | sensor used to detect angular position of the Sun | used as a reference for attitude determination |
Learning Opportunities:
- machining experience
- solid modeling
- circuit design
- system modeling
- magnetism
- controller programming
- teamwork skills
- accountability for your work
- hands-on project experience
Members:
| Name | Major | Year | Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Curtin | Mechanical | 5 | control systems modeling |
| Peter Artuso | Mechanical | 5 | systems engineering |
| RJ DiNardi | Computer Science | 3 | software |
| Rob Masti | Mechanical | 5 | propulsion |
| Eli Laramie | Electrical | 2 | control systems |
| Justin Kon | Electrical | 2 | space |
| Jesse Fronckowiak | Mechanical | 2 | system dynamics |
