New Examples

Attitude profile visualization

The new AttitudeProfile function allows high-level directives to be defined, and it automatically computes an attitude profile that meets the target alignment objectives while satisfying all pointing constraints. The 2D plot below shows a time history of the rotation angle about the primary body axis. The primary body axis is aligned with the primary target. We can then rotate about this axis to align a secondary body axis as closely as possible with a secondary target. At the same, we have one or more pointing constraints which impose time-varying bounds on the rotation angle.

The 3D view below shows the orbital path (cyan) of the satellite about the Earth, with a CAD model at the current orbit location in the center of the figure. The sun vector is shown (yellow) and the Earth lighting is based on the sun location. The primary alignment vector (green) is directed towards a coordinate on the Earth, and the secondary alignment is pointed in the orbit-normal direction. Constraint directions are shown in red with angular sweeps to show their size. The sensor cone is a star camera that has to keep the sun, Earth and moon out of its field of view. A new playback control GUI allows you to animate this view forwards backwards in time.

Libration point orbits and transfers

Several new functions have been added that help analyze and visualize orbits within the context of the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CRTBP). The plot below displays a L2 trajectory for a nuclear fusion propulsion system designed using the toolbox.

Image analysis functions

The new detector model includes a comprehensive pixel level noise model. All noise sources are included. This makes it possible to accurately assess the accuracy of centroiding algorithms.

Brushless DC motor functions

The brushless DC motor functions are high fidelity models of the brushless DC motor drives. These motors are used in many spacecraft mechanisms including robot arms, antenna gimbals and reaction wheels. The model includes trapezoidal commutation and electrical motor dynamics so you can accurately simulate the use of these motors in control loops including the disturbances generated by these motors. Motor disturbances are a major source of jitter in spacecraft. The models also allow you to model the low-speed performance of the motors which is highly nonlinear. The toolbox includes bristle friction models for accurate modeling of friction at all speeds.