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A Weight Comparison of Several Attitude Controls for SatellitesA brief theoretical study has been made for the purpose for estimating and comparing the weight of three different types of controls that can be used to change the attitude of a satellite. The three types of controls are jet reaction, inertia wheel, and a magnetic bar which interacts with the magnetic field of the earth. An idealized task which imposed severe requirements on the angular motion of the satellite was used as the basis for comparison. The results showed that a control for one axis can be devised which will weigh less than 1 percent of the total weight of the satellite. The inertia-wheel system offers weight-saving possibilities if a large number of cycles of operation are required, whereas the jet system would be preferred if a limited number of cycles are required. The magnetic-bar control requires such a large magnet that it is impractical for the example application but might be of value for supplying small trimming moments about certain axes.
Document ID
19980228246
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Other - NASA Memorandum (MEMO)
Authors
Adams, James J. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Chilton, Robert G. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1959
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
NASA-MEMO-12-30-58L
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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