TechPort requires a browser feature called JavaScript. All modern browsers support JavaScript. For more information please see How to enable JavaScript in your browser. If you use ad-blocking software, it may require you to allow JavaScript from this web application. Once you've enabled JavaScript you should reload this page.

Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD

CubeSat Attitude Control System Testbed

Completed Technology Project

958 views

Show PDF PDF

Project Description

Hide

Design, build, and test a CubeSat attitude control system (ACS) testbed that will allow Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) CubeSats to test their ACS functionality.

The primary objective is to design, build, and test a CubeSat ACS testbed in order to provide technology to buy down risk for GSFC CubeSat missions. The testbed will look to provide the following capabilities:

- Accommodation for CubeSats ranging in size from 1U to 6U

- Three axis movement to allow for phasing demonstration

- Light source movement to demonstrate system response to sun sensor inputs

- Dipole measurement to quantify torque capability

- Torque measurement to quantify reaction wheel capability

- Real time data and video capture

The goal of this system will be to test functionality of the ACS and not to develop a detailed performance profile. The main attractiveness is for the engineer to be able to test phasing of different satellite modes. Demonstrating that the satellite responds as expected to both software commands and external inputs is valuable to increasing confidence in the design.

Anticipated Benefits

Show

The testbed will provide an option for NASA funded CubeSat missions to perform more comprehensive tests on their ACS system and reduce the level of risk currently being taken by performing limited tests and relying heavily on mathematical predictions. The reduction in risk would further increase the probability of success for these missions.

The testbed will provide an option for NASA unfunded and planned CubeSat missions to consider performing more comprehensive tests on their ACS system and reduce the level of risk currently being taken by performing limited tests and relying heavily on mathematical predictions. The reduction in risk would further increase the probability of success for these missions.

Commercial CubeSat missions could also utilize the testbed for their ACS system testing needs and help increase their probability of success.

Other government agencies would also be able to utilize the testbed for their CubeSat missions and help increase their probably of success.

Project Library

Show

Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners

Show

Organizations Performing Work	Role	Type	Location
Wallops Flight Facility (WFF)	Lead Organization	NASA Facility	Wallops Island, Virginia

Primary U.S. Work Locations

Virginia

Technology Transitions

Show

Transition Events

October 2015: Project Start

September 2021: Closed out More »

Closeout Summary:

Accomplishments include performing an error analysis on the torque table which measured reaction wheel torques. It was discovered that this may be a challenge and that more work will be required to develop alternative techniques. Additionally, proof of concept work was performed for a star simulator that will add to lab capabilities.

The purpose of the Goddard Space Flight Center’s Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program is to support new technology development and to address scientific challenges. Each year, Principal Investigators (PIs) submit IRAD proposals and compete for funding for their development projects. Goddard’s IRAD program supports eight Lines of Business: Astrophysics; Communications and Navigation; Cross-Cutting Technology and Capabilities; Earth Science; Heliophysics; Planetary Science; Science Small Satellites Technology; and Suborbital Platforms and Range Services.

Task progress is evaluated twice a year at the Mid-term IRAD review and the end of the year. When the funding period has ended, the PIs compete again for IRAD funding or seek new sources of development and research funding, or agree to external partnerships and collaborations. In some cases, when the development work has reached the appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level, the product is integrated into an actual NASA mission or used to support other government agencies. The technology may also be licensed out to the industry.

The completion of a project does not necessarily indicate that the development work has stopped. The work could potentially continue in the future as a follow-on IRAD; or be used in collaboration or partnership with Academia, Industry, and other Government Agencies.

If you are interested in partnering with NASA, see the TechPort Partnerships documentation available on the TechPort Help tab. http://techport.nasa.gov/help

Project Management

Show

Program Manager:

Peter M Hughes

Project Managers:

Principal Investigator:

Zachary W Peterson

Co-Investigator:

John D Hudeck

Technology Maturity (TRL)

Show

Start:	1
Current:	3
Estimated End:	3

Applied Research

Development

Demo & Test

Suggest an Edit

Recommend changes and additions to this project record.

My Suggestion

CubeSat Attitude Control System Testbed

Project Description

Anticipated Benefits

Project Library

Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners

Primary U.S. Work Locations

Technology Transitions

Transition Events

Learn More

Organizational Responsibility

Responsible Mission Directorate:

Lead Center / Facility:

Responsible Program:

Project Management

Program Manager:

Project Managers:

Principal Investigator:

Co-Investigator:

Project Duration

Technology Maturity (TRL)

Technology Areas

Primary:

Target Destination

Suggest an Edit