Patent ID: 6682019
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
A satellite energy and attitude control system, comprising:a first energy wheel configured to rotate at a first speed mounted in a first double gimbal; a second energy wheel configured to rotate at a second speed mounted in a second double gimbal; a third energy wheel configured to rotate at a third speed mounted in a third double gimbal, wherein the first, second, and third wheel speeds are controllable to vary in concert to maintain constant wheel speed ratios, wherein the first, second, and third energy wheels are located within a single plane and positioned with respect to each other such that the total angular momentum provided by the first, second, and third energy wheels sum to zero approximate an operational range center of the gimbals, and wherein the first, second, and third energy wheels have at least two degrees of motion orthogonal to their respective spin axes.