DefinePK

Abstract

Attitude Determination System (ADS) is a process to determine the attitude of a satellite by using on board sensors and attitude estimation algorithms to determine the orientation of the satellite which is relative to inertial reference frame such as Earth reference frame. The ADS is consists of an attitude sensor which provides the attitude and orbital position of the satellite to the Attitude Control System (ACS). This paper presents a comprehensive review of attitude estimation algorithms in an ADS and its application in satellite control sub-systems to increase accuracy, robustness and efficiency of attitude estimation. Deterministic methods such as QUEST, FOAM, and TRIAD, recursive method (utilizing algorithm) such as EKF, UKF, PF and several improvement algorithms are discussed. ADS sensors including sun sensor, magnetometer, star tracker, earth horizon and gyro are also discussed. Several suggestions to improve the estimation algorithm of ADS also discussed in this paper.