The Influence of Uncertainties of Attitude Sensors on AttitudeDetermination Accuracy by Linear Covariance Analysis

摘要

The idea that Linear Covariance techniques can be used to predict the accuracy of attitude determination systems and assist in their design is investigated. By using the sensor's estimated parameter accuracy, one could calculate the total standard deviation of the attitude determination that is resulting from these uncertainties by simple Root-Sum-Square of the attitude standard deviation resulting from the respective uncertainties. Generalized Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) M-functions using this technique are written in order to provide a tool for estimating the attitude determination accuracy of a small spacecraft and to identify major contributions to the attitude determination uncertainty. This tool is applied to a satellite dynamics truth model developed in order to quantify the effects of sensor uncertainties on this particular spacecraft's attitude determination accuracy. The result of this study determines the standard deviation of the attitude determination as a function of the sensor uncertainties.