Simulation of Guidance, Navigation and Control Systems

For the development and verification of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems, models of the system dynamics of space vehicles, the expected environmental conditions and disturbances, as well as sensor and actuator models are indispensable tools.

The department of Guidance, Navigation and Control has developed a simulation library comprising dynamics, disturbance, sensor, and actuator models. These models are modular and configurable for various intended uses. The models in the library are used individually or in combination to create simulations for:

  • alternative concept studies for GNC systems,
  • assessment of system performance,
  • reconstructing flight data for mission data analysis, and
  • hardware-in-the-loop test for the verification of GNC systems.
HPS
Simulation built from HPS modules for the formation flight of satellites.

All library modules are integratied into the High Performance Satellite Dynamics Simulator (HPS), developed in collaboration with the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) at the University of Bremen. HPS serves as a universal simulation library used across various projects and is improved or expanded as needed.

For testing and verification of GNC systems through hardware-in-the-loop tests, the GNC department operates several labs and test facilities equipped with simulation, testing, and verification platforms. Additionally, the department has access to a high-performance computer for numerical simulations.