This paper describes the small Control Momentum Gyro developed by Astrium and Teldix for small agile satellites. This product is based on a small wheel developed by Teldix to deliver 15 Nms in a minimal volume and to sustain a very high output torque over more than one million of manoeuvres. Thanks to a very high amplification ratio, the CMG 15-45 S delivers up to 45 Nm and can be used to set a satellite of one ton at 3 degrees per second in less than 2 seconds. The CMG 15-45 S is based on an innovative architecture, patented by EADS Astrium, which minimises the mechanism size and mass and simplifies its mechanical interfaces. This small equipment fits easily in a small satellite of one ton or below. The reduction of the mechanism size improves also its pointing performances and minimises its disturbances. The performances of the CMG 15-45 S have been tested in an AOCS closed loop to verify that they are compatible with an earth observation mission working at sub-metric resolution.
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