Operation for the combined energy and attitude control system

Purpose - An architecture is proposed based on the torque mode operation for the combined energy and attitude control system (CEACS). The CEACS energy storage and attitude control performances are demonstrated. Design/methodology/approach - All the relevant system equations are established. The torque mode-based architecture is designed. The architecture is evaluated through numerical treatments. Findings - The proposed CEACS architecture can simultaneously manage the energy storage and attitude control tasks. Research limitations/implications - This research work is exclusively for small satellites in the LEO missions. However the proposed CEACS architecture is applicable for other missions. Practical implications - The torque mode operation will allow an ironless motor/generator design for CEACS. Originality/value - The results demonstrate the CEACS operation in the torque mode.