3-D Wheel: A Single Actuator Providing Three-Axis Control of Satellites

摘要

ACTIVE magnetic bearings (AMBs) offer many advantages for momentum wheels on small satellites compared with conventional bearings using ball or roller bearings. Conventional bearings require a form of lubricant, which evaporates in the vacuum of space unless sealed, or to be made from a dry lubricant. The bearings will wear with time and may eventually fail, limiting the lifetime of the satellite. To minimize the wear on its bearings, the wheel may be operated at a low spin rate, limiting the angular momentum of the wheel.