Design and implementation of resilient attitude estimation algorithms for aerospace applications

Abstract

Satellite attitude estimation is a critical component of satellite attitude determination and control systems, relying on highly accurate sensors such as IMUs, star trackers, and sun sensors. However, the complex space environment can cause sensor performance degradation or even failure. To address this issue, FDIR systems are necessary. This thesis presents a novel approach to satellite attitude estimation that utilizes an InertialNavigation System (INS) to achieve high accuracy with the low computational load. The algorithm is based on a two-layer Kalman filter, which incorporates the quaternion estimator(QUEST) algorithm, FQA, Linear interpolation (LERP)algorithms, and KF. Moreover, the thesis proposes an FDIR system for the INS that can detect and isolate faults and recover the system safely. This system includes two-layer fault detection with isolation and two-layered recovery, which utilizes an Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter (AUKF), QUEST algorithm, residual generators, Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural networks, and an adaptive complementary filter (ACF). These two fault detection layers aim to isolate and identify faults while decreasing the rate of false alarms. An FPGA-based FDIR system is also designed and implemented to reduce latency while maintaining normal resource consumption in this thesis. Finally, a Fault Tolerance Federated Kalman Filter (FTFKF) is proposed to fuse the output from INS and the CNS to achieve high precision and robust attitude estimation.The findings of this study provide a solid foundation for the development of FDIR systems for various applications such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and unmanned aerial vehicles, particularly for satellite attitude estimation. The proposed INS-based approach with the FDIR system has demonstrated high accuracy, fault tolerance, and low computational load, making it a promising solution for satellite attitude estimation in harsh space environment

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