No abstract

CubeSat three axis simulator(CubeTAS) is a CubeSat-scale simulator. To simulate frictionless microgravity environment for the ground test, CubeTAS is supported by a spherical air bearing, and bottom half is covered with aluminum hemisphere. The system is automatically balanced with sliding masses only using a new balancing algorithm. Inclinometers and stepper motors are used for automatic balancing. Attitude estimation is done with the measurements of a sun sensor and an inertial measurement unit(IMU). Reaction wheels and magnetic coils are installed for attitude control. To support the operation of CubeTAS , Helmholtz coil structure is installed around CubeTAS to simulate earth magnetic field, and Phasespace impulse camera system provides reference attitude with high accuracy.