Orbit and Attitude Control of a GEO Satellite in Station Keeping Flight Mode

Abstract

In this study, the performance requirements influencing the orbital and attitude control system of a geostationary satellite in the station-keeping flight mode considering the coupling effect of both attitude and orbital motion is determined. Controlling and keeping the satellite in its orbital window have been done using a set of four thrusters located on one side of the satellite body, with considering the coupling effect of the attitude motion on orbital motion. The satellite’s orbital motion could be disturbed by the attitude motion in the allowable orbital window. The main factors conducting this behavior are derived utilizing the satellite attitude and orbital dynamic equations of motion. In the mathematical analysis of this study, the effects of environmental perturbations originating from the oblateness of Earth, third mass gravity like sun and moon, and solar radiation pressure on the satellite dynamic behavior are also considered. Afterward, the condition of using four installed thrusters on one side of the satellite and the reaction wheels in order to control the satellite orbital and attitude motion is investigated. To reduce the satellite attitude’s error, a proportional-derivative controller is employed to activate the reaction wheels properly. The satellite positions in north-south and east-west directions are controlled by a specific array of thrusters in order to maintain in its predefined orbital window. The required amount of velocity variations for a duration of one year via some simulation may demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in enhancing the orbital maintenance procedure of the satellite.