Simultaneous Attitude Control and Energy Storage Using VSCMGs: Theory and Simulation

Abstract

This work examines the simultaneous use of single-gimbal Variable Speed Control Moment Gyroscopes (VSCMGs) as spacecraft attitude control actuators and energy storage devices. The resulting theory is then used as the foundation for designing the VSCMG Workbench, a simulation tool designed to meet the Air Force Research Laboratory's need for a realistic/flexible compute simulation for conceptual analysis and hardware-in-the-loop testing. this tool allows both Georgia Tech and AFRL's Space Vehicles Directorate a low-cost alternative for analyzing the feasibility of employing a combined attitude control/energy storage system as well as the technical details to create such a system for different types of spacecraft. Its modularity permits adding more model fidelity in the future with little user training required.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA392541

Entities

People

  • David J. Richie

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Angular Momentum
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Attitude Control Systems
  • Closed Loop Systems
  • Composite Materials
  • Control Systems
  • Differential Equations
  • Energy
  • Energy Storage
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Simulations
  • Space Stations
  • Spacecraft
  • Storage
  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Inertial Navigation Systems.
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Software Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers