Improvement and verification of satellite dynamics simulator based on flight data analysis

Abstract

The ground test environment is established for rapid development and raising high operational reliability of micro-satellites. It aims to verify the attitude determination and control system (ADCS) in hardware-in-the-loop simulation. In this research, the performance of simulator is improved and verified based on flight data of real satellite. Space Robotics Laboratory (SRL) of Tohoku University has developed two 50-kg-class micro-satellites. Due to a short development term, the ground verification environment is required for supporting rapid development of ADCS. SRL established a Model-based Environment for Verification and Integration of μ-Satellites called “MEVIμS”, which works as a hardware-in-the-loop simulator to evaluate real satellite hardware on ground. Due to its versatility, it can apply for other satellites. The flight data obtained from Philippines' micro-satellite called “DIWATA-1” which is currently working for remote sensing over Philippines are analyzed on ground. Then, orbit and attitude dynamics calculators implemented on the simulator are improved and verified based on its flight data. The results demonstrate that dynamics calculators are authentic and this system is practical to conduct ADCS evaluation in static closed loop simulation.