A detailed study on statistical analysis of MEMS based attitude determination system for nano-satellites using advanced data synthesis with compatible sensor combination

This paper deals with the critical arithmetic analysis of the Attitude Determination System design of Nano-satellites considering the sensor combination model considering finely-selected MEMS based Gyroscopes, Magnetometers and Sun Sensors respectively. Though the competency for achieving higher accuracy for proper positioning of a Nano-satellite is being experimented across the globe effectively, but still there is an absolute need for recognizing the appropriate methodology to enhance their performance withstanding the harsh space environment at different instances. The essential parameters for both the true model and the measurement model are studied and simulated utilizing advanced techniques for obtaining accurate attitude along three axes accordingly. Two distinct attitude determination configurations have been discussed, simulated and compared with significant reasoning being described. One with the combination of Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and TRIAD algorithm and other with Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) and TRIAD algorithm. Using these configurations, the critical aspects like power consumption and sensor operation at diverse functioning situations are being conferred. The results show significant variation in accuracy deriving important conclusions on using distinct configuration on board statistically. This research is essentially done to obtained statistical results on unique sensor fusion concept with a different configuration applied which will be practically tested in near future.