ADCSim: Software for Attitude Determination and Control System Design and Simulation

Overview

This file presents ADCSim, an open-source MATLAB software package for the design, simulation, and validation of satellite Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS). The software integrates detailed models for satellite dynamics, high-fidelity sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, star trackers), and actuators (reaction wheels). A key feature is its integration with the Orekit space dynamics library for realistic orbital environment modeling.

ADCSim features an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) simulations, and implements multiple estimation algorithms (EKF, UKF, Madgwick) and non-linear controllers. Its advanced functionalities include a robust algorithm to compute and visualize the 3D momentum envelope for reaction wheel arrays and the use of genetic algorithms to auto-tune gains for both the EKF and attitude controllers. By providing a comprehensive suite of tools, ADCSim offers a powerful, cost-effective platform for developing and testing satellite attitude control systems.

Figure 1. ADCSim main window.

Figure 2. Orbit propagation results obtained using Orekit simulator engine.

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Installation and Setup

1. Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following software installed:

• MATLAB
• Git (for cloning the repository)
• Java Development Kit (JDK) (This is required to compile the StepStorageHandler).

2. Clone the Repository

Open your terminal and clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/Bespi123/Satellite_ADCS_GUIDE

3. Project Structure

ADCSim follows the following structure:

Satellite_ADCS_GUIDE/
├── lib/
│   ├── orekit/
│   └── custom_java/
├── src/
│   ├── +adcsim/
│   ├── +core/
│   ├── +optimization/
│   ├── config/
│   ├── figs/
│   └── gui/
├── main.m
├── LICENCE.txt
├── .gitignore
└── README.md

4. Download Dependencies

For the software to work, you must place the required files in the correct folders.

1. Download Orekit: Download orekit-13.1.2.jar and place it inside the lib/orekit folder.

   • Link: https://gitlab.orekit.org/orekit/orekit/-/releases

2. Download Hipparchus: Download all the Hipparchus-4.0.2 binary .jar files (e.g., hipparchus-core-X.X.jar, hipparchus-filtering-X.X.jar, etc.) and place them inside the lib/orekit folder.

   • Link: https://hipparchus.org/downloads.html

3. Download Orekit Data: Download the orekit-data.zip file from the tutorials link.

   • Link: https://gitlab.orekit.org/orekit/orekit-tutorials/-/releases
   • Action: Unzip the file and place the resulting orekit-data folder inside the lib/orekit/orekit-data folder.

4. Compile the Java Handler: Before running the main program, you must compile the custom Java handler.

   • Open MATLAB
   • Navigate to the lib/custom_java directory.
   • Run the compile_java_handler.m compile script in the MATLAB Command Window.
   • Verify that the StepStorageHandler.class file was created successfully.

Your final /lib folder structure must match this diagram:

Satellite_ADCS_GUIDE/
├── lib/
│   ├── orekit/
│   │   ├── orekit-13.1.2.jar
│   │   ├── hipparchus-core-4.0.2.jar
│   │   ├── ... (all other jars)
│   │   └── orekit-data/
│   │       ├── (data files and folders)
│   └── custom_java/
│       ├── compile_java_handler.m
│       ├── StepStorageHandler.class
│       └── StepStorageHandler.java
│
...
└── main.m

Run the Application

Run the main.m file.

Credits

Brayan Espinoza (bespi123)