Development of the SACS-3DOF test bench

Abstract The test bench demonstrates the principle of operation of the satellite orientation control system with three flywheels and allows for variable adjustment of the parameters of the control laws. The model can be a valuable tool for developing a method for controlling the orientation of satellites of a similar type operating in real-time. The software architecture allows, with the help of "PID" regulation, to adjust the parameters of the orientation control laws for different cases. In the article purpose, all problem of developing a mathematical model for controlling the triaxial orientation of a nanosatellite using three flywheels installed along its main central axes of inertia is considered. To solve the problem, it is necessary to determine the law of change in the vector of the control moment or the direction of control of the movement of the flywheels, which allows the nanosatellite to be transferred from the current angular position to another required angular position. And in article’s conclusions it was found that the total mass of SACS-3DOF is about 2.7 kg, which requires no more than 50% filling of the model with the material of the "PLA" type. This factor has a positive effect on financial expenses and does not limit possible improvements in the future.