We applied for two grants and convinced both juries with our approach to developing an aerodynamic attitude control system for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) CubeSats. This system aims to enhance the stability and efficiency of CubeSats operating in the VLEO by utilizing aerodynamic forces for attitude control. We were awarded the LABX and the FOSTER grants, which are awarded for outstanding student research. In culmination to that, we had the opportunity to present our project and our work for the first time on a large stage in front of a scientific audience at StuFoExpo 2023.
What were we able to achieve with that?
With the financial support from these grants, we expanded our team to five members, each with different backgrounds and unique skills for the project. Together, we transitioned our theoretical groundwork into practical application. We implemented a control loop and, based on that, successfully commissioned our control board. This was a significant step in moving from concept to functional technology. Additionally, we developed a laboratory prototype that allowed us to gain hands-on experience with the control board and mechanisms using mass dummies. This prototype was based on a satellite structure we designed ourselves, providing a realistic platform for testing. We also created a remote-control interface capable of inputting and outputting randomized real-time atmospheric data, which enabled us to simulate various environmental conditions.
In a laboratory environment, we successfully tested the system over an extended period. These tests confirmed the reliability of our design and provided valuable data for further development. The work we’ve done lays the foundation for additional testing phases.
Further steps
Following these successful laboratory tests, we are preparing for further evaluations in a simulated operational environment. These upcoming tests will help us assess the system’s performance under conditions that closely resemble those in space.
We look forward to conducting these tests and advancing our project to the next stage.
