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    • SwissCube: development of an ultra-light and efficient Inertia Wheel Assembly for the attitude control of pico-satellites

    Paper number

    IAC-08.B4.6.A2

    Author

    Mr. Gavrilo Bozovic, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland

    Coauthor

    Mr. Omar Scaglione, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Switzerland

    Coauthor

    Mr. Enrique Guzman, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Switzerland

    Coauthor

    Mr. Christian Koechli, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Switzerland

    Year

    2008

    Abstract

    SwissCube is a CubeSat class picosatellite (10 x 10 x 10 [cm3], weight: 1 [kg]), whose aim is to characterize the Night Glow phenomenon, in order to validate its use in a low-cost earth sensor. The satellite is to be launched by the end of 2008 or beginning of 2009.

    For this project was developed an ultra-light and efficient Inertia Wheel Assembly (IWA), adapted to the specifications of a CubeSat. This wheel has two purposes: by maintaining a constant speed, it will allow stiffening the corresponding axis by generating a gyroscopic effect. Disturbances can then be compensated by accelerating or decelerating the wheel, which will generate a torque on the satellite. The IWA is designed to be assembled in one side of the satellite, ensuring a maximal space remains available for the payload.

    The specifications for the IWA are:

    • Operating speed: 5000 – 11000 [rpm]
    • Acceleration: 3000 [rpm/orbit] to compensate the worst-case disturbances
    • Mean energy consumption: 100 [mW] (wheel and drive electronics)
    • Mass: 32 [g] (19 [g] for the wheel and 13 [g] for the electronics)
    • Dimensions: 80 [mm] diameter, 7 [mm] thickness, to be integrated in one side of the cube



    The main points of this paper are:

    • Multi-parameter, non-linear optimization of the analytic model of a permanent magnet synchronous drive
    • Validation using finite elements
    • Key points for the design of an ad-hoc sensorless drive electronics
    • Mechanical design, realization and assembly of prototypes
    • Testing of the IWA

    The focus being set on the use of novel optimization techniques to comply with very strict specifications.

    Abstract document

    IAC-08.B4.6.A2.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-08.B4.6.A2.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.