A Framework for Development of Satellite Attitude Control Algorithms

This paper proposes a framework that combines three different environments with decreasing level of abstraction: model-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop. The purpose of the framework is to support the early detection of errors in the development of satellite control systems. Associated with the framework, the paper presents the MuSat simulator, a testbed for the development of satellite attitude controllers. MuSat is composed of a sphere that rotates with three degrees of freedom, supported by an air bearing system. The on-board computer of MuSat follows the integrated modular architecture, proposed for avionics systems. In order to illustrate both the framework and the testbed, we present the development of a non-linear control scheme. Results indicate that the designed control system fulfils the specified requirements. The example highlights the contribution of each environment of the framework for control system verification.