High performance satellite dynamics and control simulation for multi-purpose application

Abstract

In a collaborative research effort between the German Aerospace Center and the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity, University of Bremen, the high performance satellite dynamics simulator (HPS) is being developed. The simulator is assembled as a library of simulation modules, functions and utilities, thematically grouped into sub-libraries. The single sub-libraries contain modules for dynamics, environmental models for the calculation of gravity, atmosphere, magnetic field, solar pressure, eclipse, ephemerides, and preprocessing tools for the pre-calculation of surface forces and torques. A transformation library including date and coordinate transformations and several mathematical functions are also provided. Furthermore, a basic set of simple actuator and sensor models is being developed. All modules can be used in MiL (model-in-the-loop) and SiL (software-in-the-loop) applications, and several modules are ready for use in HiL (hardware-in-the-loop) environments. The simulator project has emerged from the desire to avoid re-development, benefit from tools that are already in use and have been validated for recurring problem statements, and build up upon existing knowledge for new challenges. This paper describes the simulator library content in detail and exemplifies application for selected use cases.