RCS & IMU module (rotation/acceleration/reaction control subsystem)
Rotation rate estimation for our RCS+IMU (reaction control system/inertial measuring unit)
The module includes a 3-axes rate gyro, 3-axes accelerometer and control hardware for microthrusters.
It will work together with the optical navigation module, reaction wheels and thrusters beeing able to determine its attitude and position in space, tracing its flight path and perform desaturation and midcourse corrections.
Fixed point arithmetic on quaternions and kalman filters will be used for fast and accurate calculations. (Paul Kocyla Sep2011)
Lecture on Plasma Electrolysis Propulsion
Paul Kocyla joined the Desktop Delta-V workshop this year. The topic was safe propulsion for small spacecrafts.
He gave a lecture on plasma electrolysis propulsion for cubesats.
Optical Navigation Module V2.0
The next navigation module prototype is ready for testing under real space conditions. This includes high vacuum, radiation, sunlight exposure and a shaking test to simulate forces during the launch.
The module is an embedded camera system with fast algorithms for determining the position of the sun and planetsĀ“ horizons for estimation of attitude and position in space. Star tracking tests are pending.
A monitoring board (right side) is connected to the module to measure the temperatures of the moduleĀ“s components and all system voltages and currents. (10 Sep. 2011, Paul Kocyla)
Navigation Module Prototype
succesfully tested in high vacuum
First navigation module prototype has been tested in the vacuum chamber and survived without any problems.