Efficient Attitude Command Reconstruction Algorithm for Satellites Operations

This paper proposes an onboard attitude command reconstruction algorithm that transmits only essential information from the ground instead of the entire pre-generated attitude guidance profile. The algorithm is designed for guidance profiles with alternating maneuvering and mission phases, as in Earth observation missions. In maneuvering phases, angular velocity commands are reconstructed analytically from closed-form angular acceleration profiles, while quaternion commands are obtained through discrete propagation using the mean angular velocity vector. In mission phases, where closed-form expressions are unavailable, two approaches are applied: integrating the transmitted angular velocity profile or differentiating the quaternion profile. The proposed algorithm significantly reduces transmission data compared with conventional full-profile transmission methods and defines efficient data structures tailored to each reconstruction scheme. It is lightweight with guaranteed convergence, making it practical for real satellite operations. Numerical examples validated the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed algorithm for Earth observation scenarios. These results demonstrate the algorithm’s applicability as a reliable onboard solution for satellites requiring frequent retargeting maneuvers.