EIRSAT-1, Ireland's first satellite, confirmed the effectiveness of onboard equipment Wave-Based Control, which provides precise control of the position in orbit. Developed at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Dublin (UCD’s School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering), this experiment, controlled by software, demonstrates advanced maneuvering techniques on a real spacecraft, and not just in simulation.
CubeSat magnetic thrusters control the vehicle, interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. This method is reliable and energy efficient, but cannot provide accurate guidance by itself, necessary for complex tasks.
To overcome this problem, UCD, in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, has developed a new control algorithm. This approach consists in rotating the satellite around the main axis to create gyroscopic stability, like a snake. From this stable state, the controller gradually changes the position of the satellite in the selected direction.
Testing on three consecutive orbits confirmed successful spin-up and pointing accuracy within a few degrees. Control was briefly suspended, as intended, during eclipses and when the Sun and geomagnetic alignment limited sensor performance.
This demonstration advances research in the field of autonomy and on-board intelligence for small spacecraft.
Source: https://www.spacedaily.com