PaddleSats: Attitude Control and Station-Keeping for Ultra-Low Density SSP Satellites

‘PaddleSats’ represent a unique class of Space Solar Power (SSP) satellites distinguished by their ultra-low area density and distinctive design, featuring two circular disks—a solar collection disk and a microwave transmission disk—connected by a cylindrical joint. This paper introduces a comprehensive framework and presents initial results for an advanced Paddle-Sat attitude control algorithm. The primary objective of this algorithm is to emulate the behavior of traditional geostationary satellites, particularly their station-keeping procedures while adhering to the specific requirements for efficient microwave SSP transmission. Our results show that the PaddleSat attitude control algorithm successfully achieves the desired station-keeping behavior, effectively balancing the demands of stable positioning with the unique requirements of microwave SSP transmission. These findings highlight the potential of PaddleSats as a viable and efficient means of harnessing solar power in space.