Attitude control system for the nano‐astrometry satellite “Nano‐JASMINE”

Purpose – This paper aims to present an attitude determination and control system for a nano‐astrometry satellite which requires precise angular rate control. Focus of the research is methods to achieve the requirement.Design/methodology/approach – In order to obtain astrometry data, the satellite attitude should be controlled to an accuracy of 0.05°. Furthermore, attitude spin rate must be controlled to an accuracy of 4×10−7 rad/s during observation. In this paper the following unique ideas to achieve these requirements are introduced: magnetic disturbance compensation and rate estimation using star blurred images.Findings – This paper presents the feasibility of a high accurate attitude control system in nano‐ and micro‐satellite missions.Practical implications – This paper presents a possibility of the application of nano‐satellites to remote‐sensing and astronomy mission, which requires accurate attitude control.Originality/value – Originalities of the paper are the methods to achieve the high accurat...