NSS CubeSat ACS solution

Flight heritage since 2014

NSS CubeSat ACS solution

Price on request

A CubeSat Attitude Control System (ACS) measures orbit position, absolute attitude, spacecraft rates and can also control the orientation of the satellite through either magnetic actuation or wheel based solutions. The NewSpace Systems (NSS) ACS board is a single PC104 board (15mm height) that physically integrates three high accuracy sun sensors, a magnetometer, MEMS gyros, a stellar gyro and two magnetorquer rods. Additionally, external interfaces allow for a further three sun sensors, the momentum or reaction wheels, as well as the Z-axis torquer rods.

Vendor: NewSpace Systems

Description

The NSS ACS solution recommends Combining the data from the MEMS gyros with a stellar gyro as this achieves precision rate knowledge with no drift, allowing exceptional performance during eclipse periods at a fraction of the cost of a star mapper solution. The +/-0.5 degree accurate sun sensors and precision magnetometer provide an absolute pointing solution when sunlit. In eclipse, the attitude is propagated by the gyro combination, with the stellar gyro permitting a drift of typically less than 0.1 degree throughout the entirety of this orbit phase. Furthermore, a GPS receiver can also be integrated into the NSS ACS board, with the addition of a mezzanine board, to allow orbit position knowledge. This increases the fidelity of the magnetometer by improving position knowledge compared to an orbit propagator. The NSS GPS is independently controlled through a UART interface with all other functionality controlled via a single I2C interface. Ultimately, the NSS ACS board can be supplied either partially populated, for example with sensors and actuators for simple magnetic stabilization or safe mode control, or as a complete solution. Depending on the functionality required by the client, a fit-for-purpose board can be customized. Additionally, each of the NSS sensors and actuators, as well as the GPS receiver, are available individually to complement a client’s existing suite of components. Individual datasheets for these products are available on request.