Experimental Tests of Various "Bang-bang" Controllers on the Small Satellite Attitude Control Simulator

Various three axis "bang-bang" control laws were implemented on the Small Satellite Attitude Control Simulator (SSACS) table. The optimal time control law's experimental results demonstrated excellent correlation with the desired switching curve. Approximately 55.6% less fuel will be used for a given maneuver if the optimal time control law is modified to shut the thrusters off when the magnitude of the angular velocity reaches 1 deg/sec in the appropriate region; however, the time required to perform the maneuver increases. These results demonstrate the SSACS table's capability to simulate the attitude dynamics of small satellites.