Satellite Digital Twin

A complete simulator a new generation of satellite platforms for the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has to be designed. For this, a tool has being developed which computes the satellite orbit and the behavior of the full satellite including power and communications. This tool, called digital twin, shall now be extended with the satellite Guidance Navigation, Control (GNC), thermal and COM modules.

Objectives

  • Litterature review: conduct an in-depth research in the litterature to understand the different subsystems of a satellite, especially the GNC, EPS (Thermal) and COM.
  • Study and modeling: prepare the fundamental of the guidance, navigation and control, as well as the thermal systems.
  • Interface: design and implement the interfaces with other modules of the digital twin.
  • Mission: assure that the impact of the satellite operation is represented on all modules at the same time.

Required skills

Space engineering: a good understanding of satlelite orbital mechanics, mission and systems.

Coding language: being able to program in Java or python, implement tests and documentations.

Modeling: experience in designing digital models is a plus.

Critical thinking and autonomous: the ability to appraise and adapt the project to fullfill the goals and being able to worl independently on the tasks.

 

Place of work

The student will have the opportunity to work in a stimulating environment with other students in the brand new offices at the Zürich Airport Circle

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Deliverables

  • Product: A digital twin model of the satellite with the GNC, EPFL and COM modules interacting with the existing orbit propagator module.
  • Source code: the complete source code developed during the project
  • Documentation of the development and methodology, including a description of the environment, the installation procedure and configuration, as well as recommendation for future developments.
  • Recommandations: in addition of the main documentations, recommendations for further work and improvement to the final product