Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem Testing Environment for 12U Nanosatellites

This article details the design, implementation, and validation of a 3-axis magnetic field simulator for hardware testing. In particular, it aims to simulate the magnetic fields experienced by a 12U CubeSat, a nanosatellite model, in low-Earth orbit using a Helmholtz cage to test its attitude determination and control subsystem. The design process and accompanying hardware system are described in detail. The system is judged on the uniformity and accuracy of its generated magnetic fields with reference to goal values and simulated orbit conditions.