For current and future space missions involving on-orbit servicing and Earth observation, multidisciplinary modelling environments are developed to assist the specification, design, and assessment of satellite systems and their dynamics, including their control system and their interaction with the space environment.
The satellite platform BIROS is a technology demonstrator for the DLR FireBIRD space mission. To demonstrate an attitude control system for fast rotational man oeuvres, the platform is equipped with “High-Torque-Wheels (HTW)”. The satellite dynamics model including structural flexibilities and an attitude control system was developed at the SR institute using the DLR Space Systems Library based on Modelica.
The library also contains modules to represent a realistic space environment. To this end, gravity models and modules for typical parasitic effects acting on spacecraft are modelled. Extensive graphical options are also available to visualize these space missions.
Special attention is given to the modelling of elastic components like satellites´ solar module structure and the consideration of these models for the control systems design.