The CanX-4 and CanX-5 mission currently under development at The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies Space Flight Laboratory UTIAS/SFL is a challenging formation flying technology demonstration. Its requirements of sub-metre control accuracy have yet to be realized with nanosatellites. Many large technical challenges must be addressed in order to ensure the success of the CanX-4/5 mission. This includes the development of software for an intersatellite communication system, integration and optimization of key formation flying algorithms onto the Payload On-Board Computer as well as the development of a Hardware-In-The-Loop simulator for full on-orbit mission simulations. This thesis will provide background knowledge of the Space Flight Laboratory and its activities, the CanX-4/5 mission, and finally highlight the authors contributions to overcoming each of these technical challenges and ensuring the success of the CanX-4 and CanX-5 mission. |