Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2750
Date of Award
6-2023
Degree Name
MS in Aerospace Engineering
Department/Program
Aerospace Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Eric Mehiel
Advisor Department
Aerospace Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
Consensus strategies are examined as a possible approach to achieving attitude alignment for a large, close-proximity formation of nanosatellites in low earth orbit (LEO). An attitude-only distributed consensus approach is selected for further consideration due to its comparatively low data transmission requirements. The convergence of a connected network of satellites to the attitude agreement subspace under this control law is shown using a Lyapunov stability approach with a set of idealizing assumptions. A moderate-fidelity simulation demonstrates the performance of the control law under realistic conditions that violate those assumptions. Particular emphasis is placed on the conditions that arise from the limitations of the nanosatellite form factor, namely the low accuracy of sensors and the limited computational resources. The sensitivity of the pointing performance to these factors is characterized, and the control approach is shown to be viable for use in future nanosatellite missions.