Along with the constantly promoting demand of the function of small satellite, stereo imaging of small satellite is one of hot subjects in aerospace field study recently. The study aimed at attitude control during stereo imaging in the same orbit of small satellites with single linear CCD camera. Through analysis and investigation, the operational rule of stereo imaging in the same orbit of small satellite was found out. Meanwhile, the algorithm of stereo imaging in the same orbit attitude control and semi-physical simulation system has been designed by using the similar principles and attitude operation rule of small satellite. Based on single-axis air-bearing platform and satellite components, semi-physical simulation platform of small satellite attitude control has been built. Finally, semi-physical simulation of small satellite attitude control system has been conducted at the stereo imaging. The results of the simulation indicate that small satellite pitch axis was maneuvered 52° within 75 s and three-axis reached a steady state. The pointing accuracy was 0.05° and attitude stability was 0.005°/s. It is demonstrated that the attitude control strategy can accomplish stereo imaging in the same orbit of single linear CCD optical load small satellite.