A hybrid attitude controller consisting of electromagnetic torque rods and an active fluid ring

► The article suggests that a fluid ring actuator is utilized with two magnetic torque rods to stabilize the attitude angles of a satellite. ► The dynamical model of a satellite consisting of one fluid ring and two magnetic torque rods is derived. ► A controller is designed to stabilize the attitude motion. ► The control torque required is decomposed into two orthogonal components. ► The cases of failure of the fluid ring and each magnetic torque rod are also examined.