The active magnetic control algorithm for HITSAT-1

The HITSAT-1 is the first small satellite developed by Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) whose mission objective is to test several pivotal techniques. In the initial orbit period, the satellite is likely to tumble as the result of separating from the rocket. How to capture it promptly with finite magnetic torque is an important problem. In this paper, considering the restrictive conditions of the magnetic field, the variable structure control theory is used to cope with the magnetic torque. Because of using the reaction wheels and magnetorquers as the control actuators, the combination control algorithm has been adopted in the initial orbit period. The results of the computer simulation indicated that the algorithm has excellent robustness and can be designed and realized easily.