Smart Nanosatellite Attitude Propagator (SNAP)

An orbit and attitude propagator for small satellites with models for control and environmental torques

The Smart Nanosatellite Attitude Propagator is an attitude propagator for
satellites that can be used to analyze the environmental torques affecting a
satellite and to design and analyze passive attitude stabilization techniques,
such as Passive Magnetic Stabilization, Gravity Gradient Stabilization and
Aerodynamic stabilization.

If used, please cite: S. A. Rawashdeh. “Attitude Analysis of Small Satellites Using Model-Based Simulation”, International Journal of Aerospace Engineering, vol. 2019, Article ID 3020581, 11 pages, 2019.
The model implements:
- A simple two-body gravitational model for orbit propagation
- Gravity gradient torque
- Magnetic torque due to permanent magnets
- Magnetic hysteresis torque and damping
- Aerodynamic torque for spacecraft that are rotationally symmetric every 90 degrees.

For more information on the implementation and capabilities of the model, see:

[1] S. A. Rawashdeh. “Attitude Analysis of Small Satellites Using Model-Based Simulation”, International Journal of Aerospace Engineering, vol. 2019, Article ID 3020581, 11 pages, 2019.

[1] Samir A. Rawashdeh, “Passive Attitude Stabilization for Small Satellites”,
Master’s Thesis, University of Kentucky 2010, Lexington, KY

[2] S. A. Rawashdeh, J. Lumpp, “Nano-Satellite Passive Attitude Stabilization
Systems Design by Orbital Environment Modeling and Simulation”, AIAA
Infotech@Aerospace Conference 2010, Atlanta, GA