Attitude control system

The attitude control system is used to determine and control the position of a space vehicle. This function forms the basis for aligning the solar generators, the thermal radiators, the drives and particularly also for the precise orientation of the satellite payload, optical instruments and antennas. 

As the satellite producer, OHB oversees the configuration of the attitude control system in all phases of the project or is directly involved in

  • the architecture and design of the subsystem
  • development of the software
  • and the integration of the sensors and actuators as well as the verification of the attitude control system

The attitude control system comprises tested and flight-proven components (star sensors, gyroscopes, momentum wheels, drives) which are defined by OHB and supplied by specialist companies. The main benefits are derived from the appropriate selection, combination and interplay of the elements.

One key process in this connection is the modeling of the units, the satellite momentum and the ambient influences. In this way, it is possible to perform tests and analyses under simulated space conditions. OHB also develops the necessary simulators.

It has extensive experience in all aspects pertaining to attitude control system,  including:

  • the development and operation of inexpensive attitude control systems for small and mid-size satellites (BREMSAT, SAFIR, ABRIXAS, MITA, AGILE)
  • contributions to the modeling, development and successful testing of the automatic landing system for ASTRA/PHOENIX (in collaboration with EADS)
  • full-scale development of a new kind of dynamic high-precision attitude control system for the reconnaissance satellites of the German Federal Armed Forces (SAR-Lupe)

Current activities include the following:

  • Development and integration of the attitude control system for the EnMap research satellite
  • Management of the development of the attitude control system for the geostationary SGEO satellite based on star sensors and electric drives
  • Operation of the attitude control system for the SAR-Lupe satellites
  • Study for the next Lunar Lander, automatic lunar landing
  • Attitude control system for the Galileo navigation satellite (offer for Phase C/D),

Development of the attitude control system for MTG (Meteosat, proposal for Phase B2/C/D) in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space.