Initial Parametric Design of a Torsion Pendulum to Demonstrate Attitude Control using Microoptoelectromechanical System Control of Radiation Pressure

This paper presents an experimental method for verifying the electromechanical control of solar radiation pressure on a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) using a torsion pendulum setup within a vacuum chamber. The primary objective is to demonstrate and quantify the effects of solar radiation pressure as a means of torque control. The goal is to verify the system’s response characteristics to establish its suitability for satellite attitude control applications. A torsion pendulum is employed to observe the small forces exerted by solar radiation, enabling precise measurements of the resulting torque on the DMD. To ensure accuracy, the experimental design addresses potential environmental noise sources, including vibration, magnetic, and electric fields, which could interfere with the measured minuscule forces. We detail methods to account for and mitigate these disturbances through isolation techniques and shielding. A thorough thermal analysis evaluates temperature fluctuations within the vacuum chamber, particularly in managing heat dissipation from a forcing laser applied to the DMD surface. Additionally, the paper describes the control input, response measurement, and feedback control method implemented to regulate system response, demonstrating a replicable process for similar electromechanical force systems in space-related applications.