1 DoF Reaction Control System

The experiment explores a one Degree-of-Freedom (DoF) RCS with two thrusters to stabilize a rotating platform at a desired angle from the initial orientation after experiencing external forces. The system employs compressed air as a thrust force and valves to induce and regulate rotational motion about the z-axis. The controller is responsible for determining the appropriate valve state, whether closed or open, and each valve induces either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. Feedback is acquired by tracking the measured error via the resistance change of a potentiometer, placed at the center of the rotating axis. The system dynamics concentrates on deploying a Simulink PD controller to the one-axis rotating system, allowing to iterate with minimal number of variables, thus reducing the complexity of tuning the system. Lastly, a ±5 degree tolerance is targeted while accounting for the valve control precision which may cause some deviation from the preferred orientation angle.

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