Spin Axis Control Using Reaction Wheels: Modeling and Experimental Validation

Abstract

This paper focuses on a single-axis control of a wheeled spin satellite while the entire angular momentum is not zero. The presented technique includes a feedback control law that asymptotically and globally stabilizes the satellite along a desired inertial direction despite external disturbances, actuator constraints, and a significant cross-product of inertia. Simulations for three possible geometrical configurations of a control system based on two reaction wheels were carried out to verify the presented control algorithms. In the three presented scenarios, the wheel of the controlled axis was removed, which means that in the case of having three reaction wheels, spinning the satellite about all axes is possible. It is shown that the harmonic motion of wheels can be disappeared using only one magnetic torquer aligned with the wheelless axis. Simulation and air bearing testing results show that the control system can produce successful rapid spin axis reorientation using reaction wheels.