Design and test of World's smallest satellite reaction wheel
- Paper number
IAC-17,B4,6B,5,x37476
- Author
Mr. Tom Vergoossen, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Dr. Jian Guo, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Mr. Jasper Bouwmeester, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Prof. Pim Groen, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands, The Netherlands
- Year
2017
- Abstract
\noindent A miniaturized reaction wheel suitable for picosatellites ($<$1 kg) has been developed for Delft University of Technology’s PocketQube (PQ) mission. Delfi-PQ aims to demonstrate a reliable core bus platform for PocketQubes with a form factor of 5x5x5 cm and one or more payload(s). Continuing trends in miniaturization of technology, PocketQubes hold the potential to further reduce the cost of access to space and disrupt traditional space applications by providing cost effective global coverage. Three-axis stabilization is required for advanced capabilities such as Earth observation, high data rate transfers and propulsive maneuvers. Precise attitude control requires reaction wheels with highly accurate speed control and low vibration levels. Power and volume requirements, however, drive a simple and compact design. A reaction wheel assembly with a mass of about 5 g, power consumption of about 50 mW and size of about 18x10x10 mm has been designed, integrated and tested. A simple flywheel is attached to a brushless electric motor and secured in a pressurised housing. The reaction wheel can provide at least a torque of $3*10^{-7}$ Nm over its full speed range and has a (one way) momentum storage of $1*10^{-4}$ Nms. This is sufficient for attitude stabilization and ground station tracking on a triple-unit PocketQube in a Low Earth Orbit with an altitude of less than 400 km. Functional, performance, environmental and micro-vibration tests have been performed. A novel micro-vibration test bench using piezoelectric acceleration sensors was developed to characterize micro-g level vibrations caused by the rotation of the wheel. Strict power requirements led to an in-depth analysis of the power consumption of the reaction wheel assembly. A Simulink model of the motor including control electronics as well as friction and disturbance torque models were used to characterize the power consumption. Results indicate the feasibility of using reaction wheels on picosatellites but further reductions in power consumption are required. This, currently world’s smallest, reaction wheel is expected to be launched as part of the attitude control subsystem on the Delfi-PQ mission to demonstrate and characterize its performance under true space conditions.- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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