Development of pico-satellite : MEMS based ADCS sensors

• Main Author: Rahul Agrawal
• Other Authors: Low Kay Soon
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering::Microelectromechanical systems
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/40412
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Nanyang Technological University is aiming to design, develop and launch the first pico-satellite from Singapore. A pico-satellite, like any regular satellite, has several sub-systems that work together to constitute a single autonomous unit. These include power generation and supply, communications, on-board computer, attitude determination and control, mechanical structure etc. The Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) is one of the vital sub-systems of the pico-satellite. This sub-system is responsible, as the name suggests, for determining and maintaining the satellite’s attitude i.e. its position, velocity and orientation with respect to a fixed reference frame. These parameters must be observed and controlled so that other subsystems like communications, solar-power generation etc. can function effectively. Thus the aim of this project is to develop a part of the system for attitude determination for the pico-satellite using certain micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) devices - gyroscopes, accelerometers and magnetometers. The scope of the project includes: A discussion of the role of the ADCS in the pico-satellite mission. A survey of the different devices used by other pico-satellite missions. The design of the interfacing circuitry between these sensors and a micro-controller. Tests to calibrate the performance of these devices. The performance specifications and results of the various tests that have been performed on the sensor unit will demonstrate the fact that a) the sensor is suitable for use in the mission in terms of survivability in the tough conditions of space and b) the sensor performs within acceptable error limits for the mission. The results of this project will aid the development of the ADCS system for the pico-satellite project over the next couple of years.