Satellite Spin Stabilization by Magnetic Torquers and Validation with Air-Bearing Simulator

In this paper, magnetic spin control using Spin and B-dot control laws have been studied in a lab environment. Evaluation of this control laws is done by a "three degrees of freedom air-bearing simulator". Due to the inherent simulator limitations, laboratory test results are visible only on one axis. Therefore, to evaluate these three-axis laws precisely, evaluation modeling is discussed by comparing the simulator dynamic and kinematic equations with the results of laboratory experiments. After evaluation of the modeling process, simulation of three-axis control law is conducted. Since the validated model shares same basis with satellite model equations except the torque disturbances caused by the distance between the center of the mass and the center of the rotation, it can be assured that these control laws are suitable for three-axis control of a satellite. Test results indicate appropriate performance of control laws.