ADCSim: Software for attitude determination and control system design and simulation

This paper presents ADCSim, an open source MATLAB software package designed for the high fidelity design, simulation, and validation of satellite Attitude Determination and Control Systems. The software integrates rigid body dynamics with sophisticated sensor models incorporating scale factor errors, axis misalignment, and random walk bias instability, alongside detailed actuator dynamics for reaction wheel assemblies and magnetorquers. A distinctive feature is the seamless integration with the Orekit space dynamics library and the IGRF 14 magnetic field model, enabling realistic orbit propagation under complex environmental perturbations. ADCSim provides a modular architecture for Model in the Loop simulations, featuring an intuitive Graphical User Interface and a comprehensive library of estimation algorithms including EKF, UKF, CKF, and Wahba based filters. Advanced functionalities include automated gain tuning via genetic algorithms, a robust geometric method to compute 3D momentum envelopes for reaction wheel arrays, and multi frame animations relative to GCRF, LVLH, and body frames. By offering a flexible and extensible platform, ADCSim serves as a high fidelity benchmark for academic research and a bridge toward the development of autonomous space systems.