Case Study: University of Toronto Space Flight Laboratory achieves precise nanosatellite control and hands-on student training with MathWorks

University of Toronto Students Work with Space Flight Laboratory Engineers to Design and Simulate Nanosatellite Control Systems

University of Toronto Space Flight Laboratory needed to develop precise attitude control systems for weight- and power-constrained nanosatellites while giving graduate students hands-on experience and working around low-cost commercial components that could not be fully tested on Earth. To meet tight budget and schedule constraints and to predict on-orbit performance, the lab relied on MathWorks tools such as MATLAB and Simulink for design, modeling, and simulation.

Using MathWorks products (MATLAB, Simulink, Control System Toolbox, Aerospace Toolbox, Data Acquisition Toolbox), SFL modeled sensors and actuators, developed control algorithms, simulated zero‑gravity performance, and analyzed telemetry and test data. The MathWorks-based workflow helped CanX-2 achieve pointing accuracy within 1 degree (with CanX-3 designed for stability to 1/60th of a degree), prepared students for engineering careers, and extended collaboration with other specialists and universities.

University of Toronto Space Flight Laboratory

Robert Zee

Director