Design and Development of an Advanced Real-Time Satellite Simulator

An advanced real-time satellite simulator (ARTSS) has been developed to support the ground operations activities of the ETRI satellite control system, such as testing of the system facilities, validation of flight control procedures, verification of satellite commands as well as training of the ground operators. The design of ARTSS is based on the top-down approach and makes use of a modular programming to ensure flexibility in modification and expansion of the system. Graphics-based monitoring and control facilities enhance the satellite simulation environment. The software spacecraft model in ARTSS simulates the characteristics of a geostationary communication satellite using a momentum bias three-axis stabilization control technique. The system can be also interfaced with a hardware payload subsystem such as Ku-band communication transponder to enhance the simulator capability. Therefore, ARTSS is a high fidelity satellite simulation tool that can be used on low-cost desk top computers. In this paper, we describe the design features, the simulation models and the real-time operating functions of the simulator.