Synthesis and analysis of geomagnetic control using attitude sensor data. Case of sun sensor and magnetometer use

An active magnetic control synthesis for attitude guidance is considered. The only information required is the data from one attitude sensor. A technique for system analysis is proposed. Applicability of a control is studied in case of using sun sensor or magnetometer as attitude sensors. For both cases equations of motions are analytically solved. The behavior of a system with respect to initial conditions and orbit parameters is studied if using sun sensor. The effectiveness of the algorithm, often called “-Bdot”, with respect to the orbit inclination is studied if using magnetometer.