Modeling a Satellite Mockup’s Angular Motion on an Air Bearing with Uniaxial Magnetic Attitude Control

© 2020, Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. Abstract: The angular motion of a mockup of a satellite’s attitude control system on an air bearing is considered. The general purpose of the work is to verify the one-axis magnetic attitude control algorithm. This control is designed to maintain the satellite’s solar panels attitude towards the Sun. Specific mockup motion patterns are found. These patterns allow comparing the ground-based control performance results and its expected inflight operation. Asymptotically stable precession and near planar motion are outlined. Mathematical modelling is performed for these patterns. Their applicability for the laboratory experiments is shown.