Nanosatellite (NS) began to perform complex missions that require high orientation. In this research, we developed a mathematical model of solar sensors to determine the orientation of a NS. Various moments of obtaining the angle of the sun's rays when they hit the solar sensors were presented. The test results of the solar sensors used to simulate various orbit scenarios are described in detail, and graphs of the solar sensor readings are plotted based on the results obtained.
The article deals with modeling the motion of a NS in orbit. The NS is equipped with 6 solar panels. The VTS software was used to simulate the motion of the NS. Also, in the study of determining the orientation, two different problems were considered, that is, when the satellite is in the shadow part of the earth and when it is in the solar part of the earth. For these tasks, a mathematical model for determining the orientation was built. This method is very relevant for the study of small spacecraft.
CubeSats require accurate determination of their orientation relative to the Sun, Earth, and other celestial bodies to operate successfully and collect scientific data. This paper presents an orientation system based on solar and magnetic sensors that offers a cost-effective and reliable solution for CubeSat navigation. Solar sensors analyze the illumination on each face to measure the satellite’s orientation relative to the Sun, while magnetic sensors determine the Earth’s magnetic field vector in the satellite’s reference frame. By combining the measured data with the known ephemeris of the satellite, the satellite–Sun vector and the magnetic field orientation can be reconstructed. The orientation is expressed using quaternions, representing the rotation from the internal reference system of the satellite to the selected reference system. The proposed system demonstrates the ability to accurately determine the orientation of a CubeSat using only two sensors, making it suitable for installations where more complex and expensive instruments are impractical. Additionally, the paper presents a mathematical model of a low-cost CubeSat orientation system and a hardware implementation of the sensor. The technology, using solar and magnetic sensors, provides a reliable and affordable solution for CubeSat navigation, supporting the increasing sophistication of miniature payloads and enabling accurate satellite positioning in space missions.
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