Geomagnetic disturbance effects on satellite attitude estimation

Çilden Güler D., Kaymaz Z., Hajiyev C.

ACTA ASTRONAUTICA, vol.180, pp.701-712, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 180
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.12.044
  • Journal Name: ACTA ASTRONAUTICA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Communication Abstracts, INSPEC, Metadex, Public Affairs Index, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.701-712
  • Keywords: Magnetic field disturbance, IGRF, T89, Attitude estimation, Sensor fusion, Kalman filtering, MAGNETOSPHERIC MAGNETIC-FIELD, QUANTITATIVE MODELS, INDUCED CURRENTS, NAVIGATION, SYSTEM
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of magnetic disturbances resulting from geospace storms on the satellite attitudes estimated by EKF. It is shown that the increasing levels of geomagnetic activity affect geomagnetic field vectors predicted by IGRF and T89 models. Various sensor combinations including magnetometer, gyroscope, and sun sensor are evaluated for magnetically quiet and active conditions. Errors are calculated for estimated attitude angles and differences were discussed. This study emphasizes on the importance of environmental factors on the satellite attitude determination systems.