Session
Technical Session I: Advanced Component Developments
Abstract
A new small low-cost reaction wheel and drive electronics are developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation for use on LeoStar class spacecraft. The LeoStar wheel produces a reaction torque of 140 mN-m with momentum storage capacity of 5.4 N-m-s. The wheel is unique in that it feature a relatively large, highly controllable reaction torque in a small package with low power and minimal induced vibrations. The design is an adaptation of an original NASA Goddard Space Flight center wheel using a brushless motor/flywheel combination. Two bearings support the shaft. To reduce size and mass, the drive electronics are incorporated directly in the wheel housing. The driver is based on a digital signal processor for accurate speed and torque control. An architecture was selected to allow for production of a radiation harden driver through simple pin for pin substitution of critical components.
Reaction Wheel and Drive Electronics for LeoStar Class Space Vehicles
A new small low-cost reaction wheel and drive electronics are developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation for use on LeoStar class spacecraft. The LeoStar wheel produces a reaction torque of 140 mN-m with momentum storage capacity of 5.4 N-m-s. The wheel is unique in that it feature a relatively large, highly controllable reaction torque in a small package with low power and minimal induced vibrations. The design is an adaptation of an original NASA Goddard Space Flight center wheel using a brushless motor/flywheel combination. Two bearings support the shaft. To reduce size and mass, the drive electronics are incorporated directly in the wheel housing. The driver is based on a digital signal processor for accurate speed and torque control. An architecture was selected to allow for production of a radiation harden driver through simple pin for pin substitution of critical components.
