Satellite attitude stabilization using solar radiation pressure and magnetotorquer

Abstract

The paper presents three-dimensional (3-D) attitude stabilization of a geosynchronous satellite. The solar radiation pressure is considered for the satellite pitch and roll stabilization while the yaw attitude is stabilized by a magnetotorquer. The general formulation of the system comprised of a satellite body, two solar flaps, and a magnetotorquer is obtained through Euler's equations. The linearized system model is derived and then the control laws are developed for suitable rotations of solar flaps and variations in magnetic moment. The numerical simulation of the governing nonlinear system equations of motion establishes the feasibility of achieving the desired 3-D satellite attitude. The controllers are successful in stabilizing the satellite attitude even in the presence of orbital eccentricity and variations in system parameters. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.