A Small Spacecraft's Motion Estimation Using a Hardware in the Loop Simulator

Abstract

Space debris removal missions in Earth orbit have gained momentum worldwide in recent years. A significant key to debris removal missions is the technology for simulating the motion of the target debris. This study developed a hardwarein-the-loop simulator to imitate the out-of-operation small spacecraft in space. In addition, this study combined the hardware simulator with the motion estimation system. The performance and motion accuracy of the hardware simulator was evaluated, and validity was confirmed with practical precision.