Imaging mode results of the Alsat-1 first Algerian microsatellite in orbit

On the 28/sup th/ of November 2002 and from Plesetsk in north of Russia, Cosmos-3M rocket put into a 700 km sun synchronous orbit the first Algerian microsatellite Alsat-1. Alsat-1 is 90 kg enhanced microsatellite, stabilised 3 axis for imaging mode and was designed and built by a join team of Surrey Technology Limited - UK and Centre National des Techniques Spatiales $Algeria under a know how transfer and training program. Alsat-1 is one of five microsatellites of the first Earth observation constellation specifically designed for disaster monitoring (DMC). Since Alsat-1 launch, the imager has taken more than 750 images. This paper describes the attitude determination control system algorithms to implement the imaging mode on Alsat-1. The attitude determination sensor required, is a magnetometer and sun sensor and the actuator required is a Y/Z wheels and magnetorquer coil. The specific attitude controllers and estimators used during this mode are explained. In orbit imaging mode results will be presented.