Development of a Software Tool for Learning the Fundamentals of CubeSat Angular Motion

The development of tools for understanding and simulating CubeSat angular motion is essential for both educational and research purposes in space technology. In this context, this paper presents the development of a MATLAB-based software tool designed to facilitate the comprehension of CubeSat angular motion. This tool allows users to simulate CubeSat dynamics by adjusting parameters, such as initial conditions and physical properties, enabling the observation of different types of motion, including rotatory, oscillatory, both stable and unstable behaviors. The mathematical models selected for simulating the CubeSat dynamics are presented. The interface of the tool, designed for intuitive parameter input and visualization of phase portraits of the system under consideration, is described. The software is demonstrated using a CubeSat 3U configuration, and simulation results, including angle of attack, angular velocity, and altitude decay, are presented. This tool aims to enhance the understanding of CubeSat angular motion, contributing to the design and operation of CubeSat missions in low Earth orbit.

@article{Romero-Alva2025,
  title     = {Development of a Software Tool for Learning the Fundamentals of CubeSat Angular Motion},
  journal   = {International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications},
  volume    = {16},
  number    = {2},
  year      = {2025},
  publisher = {The Science and Information Organization},
  author    = {Victor Romero-Alva and Angelo Espinoza-Valles},
  doi       = {10.14569/IJACSA.2025.0160210},
  url       = {https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2025.0160210}
}