Satellite angular momentum control system using magnet-superconductor flywheels

摘要

A torque/reactive momentum wheel control system for use in satellites for dynamic attitude maintenance and alteration where the flywheel of each momentum wheel is levitated by a high-temperature superconducting element repulsively interacting with permanent magnets in the flywheel. The spin rate (rpm) of the flywheel being controlled by either an active magneto or electromagneto drive system. Each momentum wheel is cooled by a cryo-cooler and can have a total weight of about 10 Kg to a fraction of 1 Kg and delivering 3.5 Js with less than 1 W loss.