| This thesis utilizes an experimental table top satellite prototype (NASA MMS TableSat IA) to span two main efforts. The first is to create a physical model of a satellite for NASA's Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) Mission in order to validate and compare varied gyroless attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) techniques. The ADCS maintains the TableSat constant 3 rpm rotation, prevents boom oscillations, and detects and corrects for unwanted nutation. The second effort is a software system that can be used to implement theoretical and experimental models of rotational motion. The system provides near "real-time" feedback of the system's states, and allows for "on-the-fly" modification to control parameters. The system is specifically designed such that any control systems engineer is able to customize and extend its functionality without substantial programming expertise. |
