Attitude control and on-orbit performance evaluation of spacecraft with variable shape function

The variable shape function enables attitude and orbit control by actively changing the shape of a spacecraft on orbit. In order to demonstrate this function on orbit, we developed the “HIBARI” satellite equipped with drivable solar array paddles and demonstrated the world’s first in-orbit variable shape attitude control in FY2021. The present study first compares the behavior of the paddle drive on the ground and on orbit to evaluate its performance. In addition, attitude change angle data from paddle drive on orbit is used for comparison with analytical values and evaluation control performance.