Abstract
Aerostability can provide a simple, robust and passive method to control
the attitude of a low altitude flying (<500 km) CubeSat. In this novel method,
aerodynamic surfaces and viscous or magnetic dampers are used to control
the CubeSat attitude with an accuracy of few degrees with respect to the
relative flow. The different design parameters, such as the aerodynamic surfaces
or the damping properties are discussed and a parametric analysis of
those parameters against altitude is included. Finally, the implementation of
the ΔDSat CubeSat aerostable design is discussed. ΔDSat features 4 aerodynamic
surfaces that act as fins and provide the aerodynamic torque. For
damping the rates and achieve stability a magnetic damping system is used.
In this case, the 2U CubeSat is capable of maintaining a flow-pointing attitude
with an accuracy of 1.5º at 320 km with respect to the relative flow.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | 2nd IAA Conference on University Satellite Missions and Cubesat Workshop |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |