Design, Simulation and Testing of a Reaction Wheel System for Pico/Nano-Class CubeSat Systems

摘要

Reaction Wheel Systems (RWSs) are ideally suited for precision attitude control and stabilization of pico/nano-class CubeSats. Indian academic institutions have designed, built and launched a host of pico/nano-class satellites, even those adhering to the CubeSat specifications. However, at large, these satellites have either used magnetic actuators or wheel-based actuators procured commercially. This paper discusses the design, simulation, and testing of a RWS, which is undertaken at PES University (Bengaluru, India). The RWS with 30mNms momentum storage with 2.5mNm of torque is targeted for small satellites weighing between 5-20kg. The RWS development is one of the first of its kind at an academic institution in India, particularly considering that the stator, rotor, windings, electronics, etc, are all being custom fabricated within the institution.