Real-time Testing of Satellite Attitude Control With a Reaction Wheel Hardware-In-the-Loop Platform

ABSTRACT We propose the Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test of an adaptive satellite attitude control system with reaction wheel health estimation capabilities. Previous simulations and Software-in-the-Loop testing have prompted further experiments to explore the validity of the controller with real momentum exchange devices in the loop. This work is a step toward a comprehensive testing framework for validation of spacecraft attitude control algorithms. The proposed HIL testbed includes brushless DC motors and drivers that communicate using a CAN bus, an embedded computer that executes control and adaptation laws, and a satellite simulator that produces simulated sensor data, estimated attitude states, and responds to actions of the external actuators. We propose methods to artificially induce failures on the reaction wheels, and present related issues and lessons learned. INTRODUCTION Reaction Wheel (RW) arrays are a crucial means for attitude control on many satellites due to their ability to precisely execute the control actions required for attitude maneuvers via exchange of angular momentum.