Session
Session VI: Student Scholarship Competition
Abstract
In this paper a new practical Attitude Control System is proposed, based on Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMG). These actuators can provide unique torque, angular momentum and slew rate capabilities to small satellites without any increase in power, mass or volume. This will help small satellites become more agile and maneuverable. Agility considerably increases the operational envelope and efficiency of spacecraft and substantially increases the return of earth and science mission data. The paper focuses on the practical work on developing the hardware for a low cost, miniature CMG for agile small satellites. Experimental results indicate the potential benefits of using CMGs. Specifically, a cluster of four Single Gimbal CMGs (SGCMG) is used to practically demonstrate full 3-axis control for a microsatellite class spacecraft. Additionally, results are presented on the development of a larger SGCMG proposed as an experimental payload for future enhanced microsatellite missions.
Practical Results on the Development of a Control Moment Gyro Based Attitude Control System for Agile Small Satellites
In this paper a new practical Attitude Control System is proposed, based on Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMG). These actuators can provide unique torque, angular momentum and slew rate capabilities to small satellites without any increase in power, mass or volume. This will help small satellites become more agile and maneuverable. Agility considerably increases the operational envelope and efficiency of spacecraft and substantially increases the return of earth and science mission data. The paper focuses on the practical work on developing the hardware for a low cost, miniature CMG for agile small satellites. Experimental results indicate the potential benefits of using CMGs. Specifically, a cluster of four Single Gimbal CMGs (SGCMG) is used to practically demonstrate full 3-axis control for a microsatellite class spacecraft. Additionally, results are presented on the development of a larger SGCMG proposed as an experimental payload for future enhanced microsatellite missions.
