Better predictive filtering for gyroless microsatellite attitude rate estimation

The predictive filtering (PF) method is of advantages that can directly process linear or nonlinear model and perform real-time prediction of model error. Combining the attitude motion equations of a gyroless microsatellite with PF method, the simple linear estimation algorithm for attitude angle rate is proposed to determine model error weighted matrix, which requires only the use of angle sensors. The algorithm can ensure optimality of the estimation. Simulation results have shown that the algorithm is suitable for any attitude angle rate estimation with high accuracy and good robustness.