Testing & performance characterization of a CubeSat attitude control system

Abstract

This paper describes the design, testing & performance characterization of a Reaction Wheel-based attitude Control System for the SCOOB-I Nanosatellite. A reaction wheel is simply a variant of a flywheel that is primarily used in satellites for attitude control and is usually used when the satellite has to be rotated by a very small amount, such as pointing a telescope at a certain point. The SCOOB-I nanosatellite is a student-built CubeSat initiative by Nanyang Technological University School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering for students to learn the necessary skills needed to design and operate CubeSats. The work described in this report focuses on the sizing, design and characterization of the Reaction Wheel-based Control System for SCOOB-I as well as the comparison and testing of the individual components to evaluate their suitability for use. Additionally, the design of the ACS board will also be described in detail as to how the design was conceptualized and finalized and turned into an actual board design. Results from the various testing will also be discussed further on in the report.