Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a moon sensor as an alternative
or supplemental sensor to supply attitude information to a satellite. The visibility of the moon
was evaluated with regards to that of the sun from a satellite (i.e. the feasibility of the moon
sensor is compared to that of a sun sensor).
An algorithm was developed to calculate the center of the moon, regardless of phase or
rotation, to offer increased accuracy of the center of the moon. The accuracy of this
algorithm and the possible error margins were evaluated and discussed in both ideal and
actual test cases. The sensor was implemented on embedded hardware.
The conclusion of the feasibility analysis was that the sensor would function well as a
supplemental sensor (e.g. in conjunction with a sun-sensor) rather than as an alternative
sensor. The accuracy of the moon center algorithm was satisfactory for attitude
deterrnina tion.
This sensor could thus be seriously considered for use on a future satellite. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie is om die lewensvatbaarheid van 'n maan-sensor, as alternatiewe of
aanvullende sensor, om oriëntasie data aan 'n sateliet te verskaf, te ondersoek. Die sigbaarheid
van die maan en die sigbaarheid van die son is met mekaar vergelyk, vanaf 'n sateliet (m.a.w.
die uitvoerbaarheid van 'n maan-sensor is vergelyk met dié van 'n son sensor).
'n Algorittne is ontwikkel om die middelpunt van die maan, ongeag van fase of rotasie,
te bereken om verhoogde akuraatheid van die maan se middelpunt te bied. Die akuraatheid
van die maan-middelpunt algoritme en moontlike foute is evalueer en bespreek in beide ideale
sowel as werklike toets gevalle. Die sensor was op hardeware geimplenteer.
Die gevolgtrekking van die lewensvatbaarheids analise is dat die sensor effektief sal
funksioneer as 'n aanvullende sensor (d.w.s saam met 'n son sensor) eerder as 'n alternatiewe
sensor. Die resultate verkry van die evaluasie van die maan-middelpunt algoritme is
bevredegind en is voldoende vir oriëntasie bepaling.
Die sensor kan dus ernstig oorweeg word vir gebruik op 'n sateliet in die toekoms.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/50356 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Skinner, Robert Edmid |
| Contributors | Treurnicht, J., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 117 p. : ill. |
| Rights | Stellenbosch University |
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