An Overview of Magnetic Attitude Control Algorithms for Satellites
Magnetic attitude control systems have been widely used for low earth orbit satellites since the beginning of space era because of their reliability,lightweight,low cost and energy efficiency.Recently,small satellites are increasingly attractive.Magnetic controllers meet the limitations of small satellites and are considered as favorable candidates for small satellites.In this paper,the satellite magnetic atti-tude control algorithms,including algorithms for reaction wheel start-up and unloading,passive and ac-tive magnetic attitude control algorithms,are covered.The algorithms herein are especially for small sat-ellites.As for active magnetic attitude control algorithms,magnetic damping algorithms,the algorithms combining magnetic control with spin,constant speed flywheel and gravity gradient torque,and purely magnetic control algorithms are covered.Finally,the research is summarized.
satellite magnetic controlreaction wheel start-up and unloadingpassive magnetic con-trolactive magnetic angular velocity dampingmagnetic control with other actuatorspurely magnetic control