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Development of a variable inertia reaction wheel system for spacecraft attitude control

  • John A. Christian
  • , Michael A. Turbe
  • , Erik M. Kabo
  • , Laura C. Manno
  • , Eric N. Johnson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Attitude control is an important basic function for most spacecraft. The primary objective of this experiment was to improve the capability and flexibility of a reaction wheel attitude control system by introducing variable inertia reaction wheels. This enhancement might provide at least two advantages: variable precision and vehicle reorientation without changing the reaction wheel angular velocity. To demonstrate these advantages, a prototype of a variable inertia reaction wheel system was flown in a microgravity environment aboard NASA's KC-135A "Weightless Wonder V" aircraft as a free floating experiment. The data collected during flight suggests the control system performed well, and that a variable inertia system offers increased flexibility in attitude control.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference
Pages1933-1945
Number of pages13
StatePublished - Dec 1 2004
EventCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference - Providence, RI, United States
Duration: Aug 16 2004Aug 19 2004

Publication series

NameCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference
Volume3

Other

OtherCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityProvidence, RI
Period8/16/048/19/04

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

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