Testing of Gyroless Estimation Algorithms for the Fuse Spacecraft

Abstract

This paper documents the testing and development of magnetometer-based gyroless attitude and rate estimation algorithms for the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE). The results of two approaches are presented, one relies on a kinematic model for propagation, a method used in aircraft tracking, and the other is a pseudolinear Kalman filter that utilizes Euler's equations in the propagation of the estimated rate. Both algorithms are tested using flight data collected over a few months after the failure of two of the reaction wheels. The question of closed-loop stability is addressed. The ability of the controller to meet the science slew requirements, without the gyros, is analyzed.