Attitude Determination and Control

TIsat-1 has a passive attitude control system with magnetic bars integrated in the mechanical structure.

Interacting with the Earth magnetic field, the magnets will align the satellite to conveniently point antennas when passing above SUPSI’s groundstation.

Continuous rotation about the alignment axis is expected and is indeed suitable for TIsat-1 since it will contribute to limit temperature differences over the mechanical structure and overheating a single side of the spacecraft.

All sides of the satellite are equipped with photovoltaic modules so that during orbital day energy generation is guaranteed at any attitude.

Monopole antennas are mounted 90° to the attitude alignment axis.

Documents

Attitude Determination and Control Survey (PDF, Italian)