Flight Model Development and Operation Plan of Micro-Satellite HIBARI for Variable Shape Attitude Control Demonstration

Abstract

We have developed a 50kg class microsatellite "HIBARI". The mission of this satellite is to demonstrate a novel attitude control method for microsatellites which is called “Variable Shape Attitude Control (VSAC).” VSAC is a method using anti-torque by driving variable shape structures. HIBARI has four drivable solar array paddles, and demonstrates rapid attitude control using the reaction force that moves them. HIBARI was adopted as the demonstration theme of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-2, and will be launched by Epsilon Rocket. This paper describes the HIBARI project outline, system design, Flight Model development and on-orbit demonstration plan.