Geomagnetism Sensing and Calibration Systems of LING QIAO Satellite: Results Over Three Years of In-Orbit Operation

摘要

Geomagnetism-based attitude determination is a popular method for modern small/macro satellites for availability of small form factor, low power magnetometers and their accuracy in meeting the attitude precision requirements of many space missions. However, it is not an easy work to achieve high attitude precision for small mobile communication satellites by geomagnetism-based attitude sensing due to body magnetic interferences, either generated by high power current loop or complex magnetized field of ferromagnetic materials such as semi-rigid cable. In this work, we present the design and in orbit experiment results in the geomagnetism sensing and calibration systems of LING QIAO experimental mobile communication satellite. The LING QIAO satellite has worked in orbit steadily for more than three years, the in orbit results show an long term attitude control precision of 1° was achieved and short term attitude variation given by the MEMS gyroscope is less than 0.3°.