Testing the attitude control system of a satellite in a lab is very challenging due to the non-zero gravity and non-orbital magnetic field of the lab environment. This is caused by the different global location (than in orbit) as well as the electromagnetic disturbance and noise from all the surrounding electrical wiring and devices. As a result, we developed a 2-axis Helmholtz cage which is assembled on an air bearing table to simulate a near friction-less environment. It will be further developed into a 3-axis cage in the future. The cage is comprised of two square coil pairs, a mounting frame, an Allen-Bradley PLC controller, and power supplies; all of which work together to create a near-homogeneous magnetic field that will be large enough to cover the whole satellite.

​

Keywords: attitude control, CubeSat satellite, magnetic field, air bearing table