Research on Precise Attitude Measurement Technology for Satellite Extension Booms Based on the Star Tracker

Area of Science:

• Spacecraft engineering
• Attitude determination and control systems
• Astrodynamics

Background:

• Space science missions often utilize extension booms to deploy payloads such as magnetometers.
• Accurate attitude measurement of these booms is critical for mission success and data integrity.
• Existing attitude measurement systems may face limitations in size, power consumption, or accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a miniaturized, low-power nano-star tracker for precise attitude measurement of satellite extension booms.
• To assess the performance of the nano-star tracker in an operational space environment.
• To demonstrate the system's capability to enhance the accuracy of magnetic field vector measurements.

Main Methods:

• Development of a self-designed, miniaturized, low-power nano-star tracker utilizing a CMOS image sensor.
• Integration of a commercial lens and automated calibration techniques for data correction.
• In-orbit application and testing on the 5-m magnetometer boom of the SATech-01 satellite.

Main Results:

• The nano-star tracker achieved a pointing accuracy of approximately 5 arcseconds with a weight of 150 g and power consumption of 0.85 W.
• In-orbit data demonstrated stable attitude (30 arcseconds standard deviation) in shadowed regions.
• Maximum angular fluctuation of ±2° was observed during transitions between shadow and sunlight due to environmental factors.

Conclusions:

• The developed nano-star tracker is a viable solution for precise attitude measurement of satellite extension booms.
• The system's performance meets mission requirements for accurate attitude determination.
• The accurate attitude data obtained can significantly improve the quality of magnetic field vector measurements.