High-Agility, Miniaturized Attitude Control Sensors and Actuators in an All-in-one Module

A three-axis attitude control function module was assembled into a highly integrated cubic package (103 cm3 dimension: 1U-sized). The key feature of the cubic module is its high-agility functionality, which is realized by a novel, compact electromagnetic braking mechanism combined with a ferromagnetic wheel. In this study, the proposed concept is compared with existing 1-axis wheel assemblies and the conventional CMG scheme in terms of momentum storage per mass/volume, maneuvering speed, and compactness. A prototype of the module was manufactured to demonstrate this innovative concept.