Satellite Attitude Control Simulator

Overview

The SACS is an advanced testing platform designed for the comprehensive validation of attitude determination and control system (ADCS) subsystems in satellites under 40 kg. By utilizing a three-degrees-of-freedom rotational air bearing and a sunlight emulator, the system provides a near-zero-friction environment to simulate orbital conditions. It is equipped with a sensor suite, including a gyroscope, magnetometer, and accelerometer, to ensure accurate attitude estimation and full-scale validation of the flight hardware before launch. Additional specifications can be included upon request. SACS is a versatile facility for hardware-in-the-loop validation of small-satellite ADCS sensors, actuators, and algorithms. It enables the study of performance, operational bounds, and fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) solutions under strictly controlled conditions. It has been used extensively in the E.T.PACK-F project to validate the ADCS of an autonomous 12U deorbit device.

SACS — specifications

Use Cases

For small-satellite teams that need hardware-in-the-loop validation of ADCS sensors, actuators, and algorithms before launch, including performance studies, operational bounds, and fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) testing under controlled, near-zero-friction conditions.