Cold gas thruster and controller development for satellite attitude control

Abstract

This paper summarizes the design and application of a cold gas thruster propulsion system for attitude control of satellites and space tugs. The control algorithm's development relies on analyzing data collected through several tests intended for system identification. Therefore, the project highlights the importance of performing real time testing on the physical system along with validating the simulation of the mathematical model. The control mainly relies on PWM signal customized under the special constraints defined by the cold gas thruster characteristics.