REACTION WHEEL ATTITUDE CONTROL FOR SPACE VEHICLES

Abstract

An attitude control system consisting of motor-driven inertial wheels in conjunction with an over-riding mass ejection system is proposed for use in space vehicles. Control by mass ejection is used to compensate for initial disturbances during separation from the booster, and for removal of unwanted momentum stored in the wheels. The use of reaction wheels permits fine, damped attitude control. A laboratory model of a single-axis control system was constructed for experimentation and evaluation. The choice of a suitable platform configuration, selection of a prime mover for the inertial wheel, and the philosophy, in the design of the electronics and pneumatics are discussed. Emphasis was placed upon minimization of weight and power consumption. System evaluation includes a discussion of efficiencies, reliability, and torque-speed- power relationships. Sources of disturbances, methods of sensing, and general equations of motion are presented in the Appendix.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1959
Accession Number
AD0608027

Entities

People

  • Harry Patapoff
  • Ronald W. Froelich

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Amplifiers
  • Angular Momentum
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Control Systems
  • Electronics
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Frequency
  • Moment Of Inertia
  • Momentum
  • Permanent Magnets
  • Power Amplifiers
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Square Waves
  • Waveforms

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Pavement Materials Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers