Status: Active
Mission Statement
The mission of the CubeSat Controls Testbed (CCT) project is to develop a system that replicates the dynamic environment of low Earth orbit, enabling the testing and verification of SmallSat Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS). This capability directly enables a more robust verification and validation campaign for satellite systems under development in the AggieSat Laboratory, improving system reliability and supporting mission success.
Project Overview
The CubeSat Controls Testbed (CCT) project is focused on enhancing AggieSat Laboratory’s testing capabilities for SmallSat Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS). CCT plays a critical role in the verification and validation process for SmallSat systems by providing a controlled environment for evaluating ADCS and their components against systems engineering requirements. CCT also enables the development of future in-house ADCS units by supporting system characterization, tuning, and performance evaluation under realistic magnetic and dynamic conditions.
The current CCT system consists of an electromagnetic Helmholtz cage containing a rotating testbed with 3 degrees of freedom. The Helmholtz cage will enable the dynamic replication of the low Earth orbit magnetic field to test satellite electromagnetic sensors and actuators, and the rotating testbed will allow for the emulation of on-orbit attitude dynamics. More components will be added to the system over time to mimic space environments with higher fidelity, leading to more robust testing and verification of satellite systems under development in AggieSat Laboratory.
CCT is a complex system, and members of the project develop disciplines such as computer-aided design (CAD), dynamics and controls, circuit design, systems engineering, and software development through hands-on experience. Students interested in joining the CCT team should check the Apply page regularly.
Project Conclusion
CubeSat Controls Testbed (CCT) is an ongoing project