Developing a practical kit for satellite attitude determination and control ADCS kit for training purposes

Abstract

The attitude determination and control sub-system is a critical unit for the mission performance quality of a satellite when it operates in orbit. This sub-system ensures accuracy when pointing satellite and maintains stability during attitude control. This article presents the development process of a specialised kit named ADCS kit with associated  exercises in attitude determination and control in the Vietnam National Space Center based on the in-depth research results in this field. Using a specialised kit while training and practising attitude determination and control for the satellite is also required, especially when the satellite operates in a spatial environment with near-zero gravity and non-friction. The kit is assembled with basic hardware of the attitude determination and control sub-system, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and several reaction wheels, which can achieve near-zero gravity and non-friction state. Three wheel configurations, which are 3-axis standard, pyramid and tetrahedron, are proposed, allowing the execution of several different attitude control schemes for the training activities. The ADCS kit is a product developed under the grant of the Technology Development Program of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.