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.