Design and optimization of MEMS-based attitude determination system for nano-satellites

Abstract

Since few decades, Nano-satellites weighing 1 to 10 kilograms have been of prime focus for developing and encouraging the importance of miniature satellites as the future of space missions. But due to several application and sub-system based concerns, these satellites have not being utilized to the best of their capabilities in space. Attitude Determination System is one among the most critical sub-systems of Nano-satellites due to sensitivity and reliability issues relating to its components. These concerns require a well-defined study of dynamics with practical realization of minimum inaccuracy in space flight components. Hence, an intensive research on this aspect is desirable with maximum emphasis inclined towards appropriate utilization of MEMS based sensors. It is due to their dominance in cost effectiveness, negligible weight and size with considerably accurate data processing under synchronization with appropriate balance of efficient algorithms and well-designed configurations. This forms the basis and main objective of this research to develop an optimal attitude determination system with reasonably economical set-ups to achieve least possible attitude error under near space environment through significant power distribution and its reduced consumption. For this to be attained, a detailed research is strategized and implemented with comprehensive study on the re-cent trends of Nano-satellites. The software based dynamic modeling with several configurations under MEMS specifications were simulated with well-defined algorithms mostly with EKF, UKF, TRIAD and QUEST respectively. The main sensors under consideration were 3-axis MEMS Gyroscopes, 3-axis MEMS Magnetometer, 2-axis Analogue MEMS Sun sensors and sometimes 3-axis accelerometers. These algorithms were further improved to stabilize power consumption of sensors and their ability for producing continuously well-proportioned attitude determination under sensor fusion. The importance of orbit propaga...