Difference between revisions of "Attitude Determination and Control (ADCS)"
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| − | An Attitude Determination and Control (ADCS) | + | An Attitude Determination and Control (ADCS) provides measurements regarding a satellite's orbit and allows the satellite to change its inertial position. |
== Examples of ADCS Hardware == | == Examples of ADCS Hardware == | ||
| + | * Most ADCS hardware relies on an ability to change the satellite's position relative to the Earth. | ||
| + | ** Reaction wheels: Using small, spinning wheels, reaction wheels allow satellite positioning using the principle of conservation of momentum. | ||
| + | ** Magnetorquer: By creating a magnetic field that interact's with the Earth's own magnetic field, a magnetic torquer produces a force that can rotate a satellite. | ||
| + | ** Control Moment Gyros: Similar to Reaction Wheels, Control Moment Gyros use a gimbal to change the rotation of a spinning flywheel. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTWA6tUREi8 for an excellent visual demonstration of CMG technology. | ||
| + | ** Thrusters: Though far more uncommon on small satellites, thrusters remain a dependable and conceptually straightforward method of attitude determination. | ||
| − | + | == ADCS Specifications == | |
| − | == ADCS Pointing Accuracy | + | * ADCS Pointing Accuracy |
| + | ** ADCS accuracy varies depending on the type and quality of mechanisms and control systems. The CubeSpace hardware popular for use on 2U QB50 satellites has an accuracy of 0.2º to 0.6º. The BlueCanyon XB1 high precision ADCS suggests an accuracy of 0.002º. | ||
| + | * ADCS Maneuvering Rates | ||
Revision as of 05:59, 18 April 2016
An Attitude Determination and Control (ADCS) provides measurements regarding a satellite's orbit and allows the satellite to change its inertial position.
Examples of ADCS Hardware
- Most ADCS hardware relies on an ability to change the satellite's position relative to the Earth.
- Reaction wheels: Using small, spinning wheels, reaction wheels allow satellite positioning using the principle of conservation of momentum.
- Magnetorquer: By creating a magnetic field that interact's with the Earth's own magnetic field, a magnetic torquer produces a force that can rotate a satellite.
- Control Moment Gyros: Similar to Reaction Wheels, Control Moment Gyros use a gimbal to change the rotation of a spinning flywheel. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTWA6tUREi8 for an excellent visual demonstration of CMG technology.
- Thrusters: Though far more uncommon on small satellites, thrusters remain a dependable and conceptually straightforward method of attitude determination.
ADCS Specifications
- ADCS Pointing Accuracy
- ADCS accuracy varies depending on the type and quality of mechanisms and control systems. The CubeSpace hardware popular for use on 2U QB50 satellites has an accuracy of 0.2º to 0.6º. The BlueCanyon XB1 high precision ADCS suggests an accuracy of 0.002º.
- ADCS Maneuvering Rates