ALSAT-1 is a low-cost Algerian microsatellite build by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL), it is designed to be part of a five microsatellites constellation for daily disaster monitoring. The microsatellite uses a Y momentum and Z reaction wheels, 3-axis magnetorquer rods and a single butane gas thruster for orbital maintenance. The magnetorquer rods do momentum maintenance and nutation damping f or Y/Z wheels and, libration damping and yaw phase control. The attitude sensor used, is a 3-axis fluxgate magnetometer and a sun sensor. Precise orbital knowledge will be obtained using an antenna GPS receiver supported by an on-board orbit estimator. This paper describes the various attitude control modes required to support: (1) initial attitude acquisition phase, (2) imager nadir pointing attitude controller. The specific attitude controllers and estimators used during theses modes are explained. Simulation and in-orbit commissioning results are presented to evaluate the performance and design objectives.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    An attitude determination and control system of the ALSAT-1 first Algerian microsatellite


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2003-01-01


    Size :

    320202 byte




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Imaging mode results of the Alsat-1 first Algerian microsatellite in orbit

    Mohammed, A.M.S. / Benyettou, M. / Sweeting, M.N. et al. | IEEE | 2005


    Multidate quality assessment of Alsat-1 Satellite's imager

    Harhouz, A. / Belghoraf, A. / Rachedi, A. | IEEE | 2013



    In-flight MTF stability assessment of ALSAT-2A satellite

    Kameche, M. / Benmostefa, S. | Elsevier | 2016