Executive Summary
Developing robust Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) requires rigorous ground testing. SPACROL successfully engineered and deployed SACSTOR, a state-of-the-art Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testbed, providing aerospace engineers with a near-zero friction environment to validate spacecraft dynamics before launch.
Frictionless & Torque
Free Rotation
Effortless 3U/6U
CubeSat Integration
Active 3-Axis
Control
The Challenge of Ground Testing
Validating satellite control algorithms and physical actuators, such as reaction wheels, presents a significant engineering hurdle on Earth. Mechanical friction and gravitational torques often mask the micro-disturbances that dictate spacecraft behavior in orbit. Traditional mathematical simulations cannot fully account for the physical anomalies of actual hardware. There was a critical need for a physical testing environment that mimics the frictionless nature of space with absolute precision.
The Hardware-in-the-Loop Solution
To bridge the gap between software simulation and on-orbit reality, SPACROL developed a custom 3-Degree-of-Freedom (3-DoF) simulator based on advanced Spherical Air Bearing technology. By floating the payload on a microscopic layer of pressurized air, the system completely eliminates mechanical friction.
This architecture allows for the direct integration of flight-ready hardware—including sensors, gyroscopes, and control algorithms—into a closed-loop HIL testing cycle. Engineers can now observe real-time dynamic responses to commanded maneuvers under true unconstrained rotational conditions.
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Technical Specifications
Featuring an active 3-axis control infrastructure that allows for precise analysis of satellite attitude maneuvers, the system can be easily adapted to various mission architectures due to its seamless integration capability with 3U and 6U CubeSat platforms. In this context, SACSTOR is an advanced satellite attitude control simulator developed to verify ADCS performance under the most demanding operational scenarios prior to launch.
Roll / Pitch / Yaw Rotation |
±15° / ±15° / 360° |
Pointing Accuracy |
< 1° |
Spherical Air Bearing Capacity |
1600 N |
ADCS Payload |
≈ 40 N |
Actuators |
4 x Reaction Wheels (Pyramid Configuration) |
Sensors |
2 x IMU |
Control Board |
SPACROL Mainboard |
Communication |
Wireless / Type-C |
Capacity & Energy |
5.6 Ah / 121 Wh |
Key Capabilities
Absolute Frictionless Environment: Achieved near-zero friction baseline, allowing for the precise measurement of micro-torques.
Full Actuator Validation: Enabled comprehensive testing and calibration of reaction wheels and magnetorquers under realistic dynamic loads.
Precision Mass Balancing: Integrated micro-adjustment mechanisms ensure perfect Center of Gravity (CG) alignment, critical for torque-free operations.
Accelerated Mission Readiness: Significantly reduced development cycles and on-orbit failure risks through rigorous ground validation.