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Project

Dual-stage high precision line of sight stabilisation system for SmallSats

The general objective of the development of stable imaging systems for optical instruments which are installed on small spacecraft is to acquire high-quality images with low-cost space platforms. CubeSats and SmallSats are more sensitive to external and internal vibration disturbances than large spacecraft. The Attitude & Orbital Control System of small spacecraft has insufficient performance to keep the optical platform within mission requirements, including both Earth Observation missions and astronomy missions. The payload requires a two-stage stabilisation platform with the spacecraft AOCS compensating for the large amplitude disturbances of the complete spacecraft and a fine pointing platform for the optical payload. The entire control system consists of a set of sensors and mechanical components for the spacecraft, including star trackers and reaction wheels, complemented with piezo-actuators for the instrument, all of which are controlled in a dual control loop. The PhD project concerns the complete measurement, actuation and control system. This work covers the complete cycle including the design phase of mechanical components and control strategies, numerical simulations for virtual testing, realisation of a breadboard, execution of a test and modification of the entire system to meet the mission requirements.

Date:3 Feb 2023 →  Today
Keywords:CubeSats, SmallSats, ADCS, precise pointing, Earth observation, Microvibrations, Spacecrafts, AOCS, Space Engineering
Disciplines:Astronautical engineering
Project type:PhD project