The Rotational Motion Simulation of AIST Small Spacecraft Prototype Based on Current Values From Solar Battery Panels and on a Hardware-software Stand

Abstract

The functioning of space technique is associated with remote maintenance of operable state of onboard systems and software. If an element fails, problems arise in analyzing the state, ascertaining the reasons for the failure and restoring the element functional using available hardware-in-the-loop and algorithmic tools. The paper concentrates on currents analysis from solar battery panels of AIST small spacecraft in order to evaluate the parameters of the satellite's rotational motion after a significant break-down of the electrical battery. At the same time, the scientific equipment and onboard measurement instruments proved to be practically inoperative due to the lack of power supply. After the break-down of the electrical battery, magnetorquers and measurement instruments could not perform their function. A backup orientation system was not provided. The raw data for estimating the angular velocity vector was the current values from solar battery panels. However, in order to obtain an acceptable estimate of the angular velocity vector, more accurate current measurements are required than it implemented onboard the small spacecraft. To simulate the small spacecraft rotational motion and compare results with estimates obtained from telemetric data analysis, HIL US-03 hardware-software stand for simulation of the small spacecraft systems was used.