Attitude determination sensor for low Earth orbit satellite based on Lorentz force

Abstract

Spacecraft attitude determination is a crucial task in attitude control subsystems. It provides the necessary feedback to close the control loop. Several sensors such as star trackers, Sun sensors, and horizon sensors are used for this purpose. The development of other methods can help control engineer with newer options to design their systems. Here, an innovative sensor for determining the attitude of a spacecraft is presented. The proposed sensor measures the Lorentz force vector due to the interaction between the magnetic field of the Earth, and the high linear velocity of the spacecraft. This sensor is composed of three series of orthogonal variable capacitors. The capacitors are connected in parallel to increase the total capacitance. The capacitors have movable plates which actuated by alternating current with specific frequency. Due to very high speed of spacecraft relative to magnetic field of earth in low orbit, the Lorentz force is exerted on the charges of the capacitor plates. The plates have same velocity as the spacecraft does. The applied Lorentz force to the plates affects their motion so that the harmonic can be seen in the output. Measuring the amplitude of the mentioned harmonic results in measurement of a component of the Lorentz force in the direction of capacitors. Installing the three capacitors orthogonally can measure the three rectangular components of the Lorentz force. This vector will be in the body frame of the spacecraft. The two-plate and three-plate capacitor are the two different proposed mechanisms and their performance is compared. Once the Lorentz force is known as a vector in the body frame, it can be applied along with data from another sensor to determine the attitude of the spacecraft. Based on simulation results, achievable resolution is better than 3°, which can be improved by further research.