NIGERIASAT-2 AOCS: RESULTS FROM THE FIRST 90 DAYS IN ORBIT

摘要

The NigeriaSat-2 mission is a high resolution imaging system launched on 17th August, 2011. The 300 kg satellite will provide high-resolution (2.5m) imagery to support Nigeria natural resource management. The Attitude and Orbit Control Subsystem (AOCS) provides the stability required by the imager, a geolocation accuracy of 45m and an agile off-nadir targeting capability which can support a range of imaging modes. This paper discusses the evolution of the AOCS design from SSTL's existing heritage, which enables operational high-resolution imagery to be captured by a small satellite and reports on the performance of the system during the initial commissioning phase during the 90 days after launch. Finally, the paper discusses how the lessons learned during the commissioning process are already being fed into the design of future missions, in particular, the DMC3 Earth observation constellation.