University of Toronto Students Use MathWorks Model-Based Design Tools for High Performance Attitude Control Systems

NATICK, Mass. – June 21, 2010 - MathWorks today announced that graduate students and engineers from the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) used MathWorks tools for Model-Based Design to develop high-performance attitude control systems.

“Using MathWorks tools on SFL projects equips our students with invaluable, practical space systems engineering experience,” said Dr. Robert Zee, director of the SFL. “MATLAB and Simulink provided the opportunity for graduate students to work side by side with engineers and gain practical experience on a system that will actually fly in space.”

The students used MATLAB and Simulink as the foundation for their research at the SFL, first developing a preliminary design of a satellite system, and then, working closely with SFL engineers, using this design to model and test precision attitude control systems. MATLAB and Simulink also provided a common language for more seamless collaboration with professors and experts at other universities in Canada.

“The University of Toronto’s use of MATLAB and Simulink for education, innovation, and collaboration is a prime example of how our tools can advance engineering both inside and outside the classroom,” said Maureen Maher, manager of education marketing at MathWorks. “Our tools provide a consistent environment that not only supports engineering students from their first-year classes through graduate-level work but also enables universities around the world to turn out students who are prepared to tackle real-world challenges.”

About University of Toronto

The UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory (UTIAS/SFL) collaborates with business, government and academic institutions on spacecraft projects and the development of new space technologies. As a laboratory at the University of Toronto, its aim is to promote the use of novel technologies in space, and to train graduate students to strengthen the Canadian skill base in space systems engineering. For additional information, visit www.utias-sfl.net/.

About MathWorks

MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MathWorks products are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, The MathWorks employs more than 2100 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA.

For additional information, visit www.mathworks.com.