Cube Satellites (CubeSats) are becoming more common. This research project develops one sensor and one controller component of a CubeSat. The goal is to test the spacecraft controls in an Attitude Determination Control Systems (ADCS) test bed. The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) has been hard coded and tested to run on the CubeSat CPU. Four motor wheels have been programmed with a Roboclaw and tested to run and re-orientate the CubeSat within the ADCS test bed. The test bed uses magnetorquers to readjust the CubeSat, where the IMU will recognize its disturbance and operate the motor wheels to readjust back to their original position. Python was the primary language for coding the IMU and Roboclaw/Motor Wheels. Motor wheels have a higher degree of accuracy when compared to thrusters, magnetic tourquers, and control moment gyros. This project report accumulates a semester’s worth of progress for a research course at San Diego State University, AE499.
