| Summary: | Attitude control systems are a very important aspect in satellite design. The goal is to develop a passive gravity gradient boom design that can be used on the ONYX satellite or be adaptable to other micro satellites. The ONYX, designed by Santa Clara University in collaboration with NASA, is a micro satellite in an Earth reconnaissance and research mission. During its intended 45 day mission, the ONYX will operationally test autonomous computer control techniques while conducting an Earth observing mission, providing educational services as well. Attitude control for an imaging satellite is vital. The objective of the design team is to develop a gravity gradient boom (GGB) for passive attitude control, while following specified design parameters set forth by the ONYX satellite team. The key design features of this system consist of space qualified materials, a tip mass, a single bolt release mechanism, a non motorized mass launch, and a spool of specifically chosen wire.
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