Investigation of ADCS Components and Algorithms for CubeSat Based On-Orbit Assembly

On-orbit assembly will be the next frontier in making space travel and commercialisation more feasible. By performing manufacturing and assembly tasks in space, large scale structures can be created which are unsuitable for launch due to volume and dimension limitations. This can enable advanced orbital structures such as larger telescopes and solar arrays, and the ability to increase the

operational capability of missions using smaller less resource intensive launches [1]. While the dynamics of the individual components of the assembly have been examined in literature and various agents are currently developing modular spacecraft systems which may interface together to form a larger structure, there is a lack of research into suitable platforms for performing on-orbit

assembly of externally manufactured structures. To perform this task and maintain the reduced cost benefits of on-orbit assembly, this project will investigate and develop a standardised platform for performing assembly tasks. Specifically, this project will investigate the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) components and

algorithms necessary to create an on-orbit assembly vehicle. This will be constrained by the standardised 10cm by 10cm CubeSat format which has been growing in popularity recently due to its convenience in saving launch volume [2]. This format presents limits on the volume, power, and computational resources available to complete these tasks, and will therefore be a point of interest

during research. The proposed methodology is to evaluate and compare possible control algorithms for on-orbit assembly and assess the capabilities of the current CubeSat hardware to support these algorithms. Following this the CubeSat hardware can be revised and developed to provide an optimal platform

for on-orbit assembly using the chosen control architecture. This will culminate in a full prototype using the rapid prototyping and experimentation capabilities of the Space Research Group, allowing the designed hardware and controller to be verified. This work will tie in with other areas of research within the group allowing collaboration with other

researchers, and release of cumulative findings over the course of the project. The final output of the research is a potential collaboration with researchers focused on on-orbit control of manipulators, which when combined with the CubeSat design provides a full assembly platform for future missions.