Title: Mathematical model and attitude estimation using Kalman filter technique for low earth orbit satellite

Authors: Nor Hazadura Hamzah; Sazali Yaacob

Addresses: School of Mechatronic Engineering, Pauh Putra Campus, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia ' School of Mechatronic Engineering, Pauh Putra Campus, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia

Abstract: In space, attitude analysis of a satellite is constantly being computed within the system of the satellite. In this paper, a rigorous derivation of mathematical model of satellite's attitude with gravity gradient moment, which is inherent in low-orbit satellite is presented. Additionally, attitude estimation using Kalman filter technique is employed to predict the actual satellite's attitude despite the noise presence in the system. As for demonstration purpose, a simulation of the attitude estimation via Kalman filter is carried out using MATLAB software. Through the simulation result, the importance of filtering technique for attitude estimation is realised.

Keywords: mathematical modelling; satellite attitude; gravity gradient moment; attitude estimation; Kalman filter; low earth orbit; low orbit satellites; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMRS.2014.064335

International Journal of Mechanisms and Robotic Systems, 2014 Vol.2 No.1, pp.17 - 33

Received: 13 Jul 2012
Accepted: 04 Jan 2013
Published online: 30 Aug 2014 *

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