Model-based Simulation of Passive Attitude Control of SLUCUBE-2 Using Nonlinear Hysteresis and Geomagnetic Models

SLUCUBE-2 is a 1U CubeSat with maximum dimensions of 10 x 10 x 10 cm3 and a mass of one kilogram. CubeSat constraints’ poses significant challenges in the design of the attitude control system. As a result, passive attitude stabilization involving gravity-gradient methods, permanent magnet alignment and/or viscous dampers, etc., are frequently considered for such missions. SLUCUBE-2 is stabilized using a passive magnetic attitude stabilization system, based on permanent magnets and an energy dissipation system consisting magnetic hysteresis rods. However, sizing the system parameters, predicting the in-orbit performance and accuracy of passive magnetic stabilization systems is not trivial, challenges being accurate modeling of the hysteresis rods magnetization and the evaluation of the rods magnetic parameters, such as apparent permeability, remanence and coercive force. The research focus in this paper is design and analysis of passive stabilization using nonlinear models of hysteresis behavior and nonlinear model of spacecraft attitude dynamics. Methods and results of Nonlinear and Quaternions-based mathematical model for satellite motion involving permanent magnets and hysteresis effects is presented. This study has resulted in determining the size and the number of the permanent magnets and hysteresis rods required to stabilize the spacecraft.