1. Satellite Attitude Dynamics & Control System (ACS) Testbed
2015 Capstone Design Project

2. State of the Art? “3-D” is not always fully 3-D
There is usually a limiting axis
that is not fully exploitable
Real spacecraft use all axes simultaneously
Every new algorithm, SW or HW must be tested and verified before anyone is willing to fly it.
Every S/C ACS can be represented by an Inertia Matrix and Momentum Exchange Configuration (Reaction Wheels)
Scaling is important, but balancing is critical
NPS Air Bearing. Picture from

3. 2015-2016 Capstone Project Goals
Design a Simulator/Test-bed capable of simulating other spacecraft in order to test ACS theories, algorithms, and/or software
Full 360 motion about any axis
Configurable inertia in order to simulate any particular spacecraft
4 Reaction Wheel re-configurable ACS
Automatic balancing of the air bearing setup
Sized to accommodate a 3U CubeSat frame

4. https://youtu.be/6YG7q7sqfTM
Who do we need?
Out of the box thinkers
3D is harder than 3 x 1D
Other have done similar but not
for the same purpose or level of fidelity
EyaSat Concept is for classroom demo purposes only
Mechanical Design in both large scale (3U) and small scale (4 RW & moving masses)
MATLAB interface & data collection/processing
Controls or Systems–like emphasis role
Needed for the Automatic balancing element.
Know any SE majors who need a capstone?
EyaSat Concept,
EyaSat created a concept of the 3DOF hamster ball, seen in the picture, but their function was simply education and demonstration. We want to take it much further in being able to test and validate ADCS algorithms, SW, and HW by simulating any other spacecraft’s ADCS performance.