Small Satellite Magnetism Control for Velocity Damping

Velocity damping is the process in which the angular velocity of the satellite should be controlled to reduce expeditiously after being released from the rocket. The velocity damping control process is of great importance for the subsequent satellite three-axis attitude stabilization. Based on magnetic control laws of minus-dot-B and PID, the velocity damping control processes under three scenarios with different executive mechanisms, namely magnetic control, magnetic control with a momentum wheel, and magnetic control with micro thrusters, are simulated and analyzed. The results indicate that the time for magnetic control in velocity damping process is the longest, while for the magnetic control with micro thrusters the shortest. Magnetic control with a momentum wheel is stable and the time is between magnetic control and magnetic control with thrusters. PID is much better than minus-dot-B in accuracy and stability, but the velocity damping time is longer. The paper not only verifies the feasibility of magnetic control used in velocity damping process, but also provides a reference for choosing the executive mechanism and the control law.