Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation Testbed for Spacecraft Dynamics and Control System

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The Spacecraft Control and Navigation System serves as a tool for laboratories focused on the development of space technology. It is particularly utilized for studying control and navigation factors of spacecraft within a simulated space environment, replicating conditions encountered in low Earth orbit. This system acts as a testing platform for hypotheses, identifying limitations, and refining mathematical methodologies prior to deployment in space.

Objectives

  1. To establish a laboratory for testing "Spacecraft Control and Navigation Systems" by leveraging advanced engineering knowledge in orbital mechanics, mathematics, computing, instrumentation, and mechatronics for research and development purposes.
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Key Features
The "Laboratory for Spacecraft Control and Navigation Testing" comprises both mechanical structures and control software:

Mechanical Structure:

  • Includes six Helmholtz Coils arranged parallel to one another to generate and counteract magnetic field lines across three axes in a complete Cartesian coordinate system.
  • Each coil has a diameter of approximately 2.4 square meters and can generate magnetic fields up to 100,000 nanoteslas (nT) per axis. This field strength matches conditions experienced by spacecraft at altitudes ranging from 500 to 2,000 km, suitable for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
  • Using Biot-Savart Law simulations, the magnetic field achieves stability within a 50 cm radius from the central point, providing sufficient conditions for small satellite research and development.
  • Magnetic field intensity can be adjusted through voltage control, and independent magnetic field lines can be generated on three axes.

At the center of the Helmholtz Coils lies an air-supported mass device that accommodates satellite subsystems such as:

  1. Three-axis Reaction Wheels
  2. Three-axis Magneto Torquers
  3. Three-axis Attitude and Heading Sensors
  • These systems, weighing up to 20 kilograms, are mounted on a square base plate measuring 1.0 square meter to test variable estimation methods.
  • Rotational control methodologies are tested to produce torques that manage spacecraft dynamics and orientation under simulated zero-gravity conditions. This setup mimics equipment rotation during orbital flight.
  • Torques are generated by two mechanisms:
    1. Earth's magnetic field from the Helmholtz Coils interacting with the satellite's magnetic field from Magneto Torquers.
    2. Torque from Reaction Wheels.

Software Development:

  • Helmholtz Coil control systems simulate Earth's magnetic field using a "High-Level Magnetic Field Control Program" designed with the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84).
  • Users can input standard orbital position data (Two-Line Element: TLE) and desired simulation times. The system then estimates spacecraft positions using the Simplified Perturbations Model 4th Edition (SGP-4), converting the output coordinates to longitude, latitude, and altitude in real-time as the spacecraft orbits.
  • Earth's magnetic field vectors across three axes are calculated using the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) model, incorporating magnetic field variations based on the spacecraft's position.
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Market Context

  • Availability: Not available commercially.
  • Current Market Value: Over 10,000,000 THB.
  • Production Cost: Approximately 2,500,000 THB.

Innovation and Commercial Expansion Potential

  • Maritime Stability Systems: Developing equilibrium mechanisms for ships.
  • Aerospace Industry: Application in space exploration and satellite technology.
  • Educational and Development Institutions: Supporting aviation and aerospace engineering education.
  • Aircraft Components and Subsystems: Advancing designs for aerospace components.
  • National Security Industry: Enhancing defense-related technologies.

Development Team

  1. Project manager 
    Dr. Peerapong Torteeka 
    NARIT
  2. System Engineer 
    Shariff Manuthasna 
    NARIT
  3. Computer Engineer
    Pakawat Prasit
    NARIT
  4. Computer Engineer
    Kritsada Palee
    NARIT
  5. Control System Engineer
    Dr. Patcharin Kamsing
    KMITL
  6. GNC Engineer 
    Thanayuth Panyalert 
    NARIT
  7. Aerospace Engineer 
    Popefa Charoenvicha 
    NARIT
  8. Aerospace Engineer 
    Tanawish Masri 
    NARIT
  9. Mechatronics Engineer 
    Pakorn Khonsri 
    NARIT
  10. Mechanical Engineer
    Samattachai Tanun
    NARIT
  11. Mechanical Engineer
    Auychai Laoyang
    NARIT
  12. Mechanical Engineer
    Teerawat Kuha
    NARIT
  13. Mechanical Engineer
    Worawat Somboonchai
    NARIT
  14. Mechanical Engineer
    Likhit Maimun
    NARIT
  15. Mechanical Engineer
    Peeradon Ooktan
    NARIT
  16. Aeronautics Engineer
    Thaweerath Phisannupawong
    KMITL
  17. Aeronautics Engineer
    Warunyu Hematulin
    KMITL
  18. Aerospace Engineer
    Kanatip Anuchit 
    Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
  19. Mechatronic Engineer
    Jormpon Chaisakulsurin
    KMITL
  20. Internship Engineer
    Siriwimol Saetang
    PIM

For more information:
Dr. Peerapong Torteeka 
Project Manager
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]