Attitude Estimation Algorithms for Spinning Satellites Using Global Positioning System Phase Data

Abstract

Several Global Positioning System (GPS) based attitude determination algorithms for spinning satellites are presented. Spin rate and nutation frequencies are identiŽ ed by fast Fourier transform and autoregressive model methods. Attitude angles are estimated using a simple cross-product method and a batch processing algorithm. These techniques alluse theGPS antennadisplacement vector as thebasic observable.Performance of the proposed methods is presented using both computer simulations and ground-based experimental data. Accuracies of better than 0.25 deg in attitude and 0.01 rpm in frequency are demonstrated.