•Design, manufacturing and testing of a complete & functional Micro-CMG prototype at the maturity level of an Engineering & Qualification Model (EQM)

•Dedicated technology investigations on critical sub-assemblies like the slip-ring unit for flywheel power & signal transfer

Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs) of compact size target the small satellite market, especially for agile attitude control of satellites with high-resolution optical instruments. With the ability to acquire high-resolution images, the swath width is typically limited by the narrow field of view of the instrument’s optics. In order to enlarge the field of view, an agile attitude control system is advantageous because the ground target area can be substantially expanded by pointing the entire satellite. Typical reaction wheels used up to now are not capable of generating the necessary torques for such applications.

Achievements and Status:

•Successful development continuation on the basis of an existing breadboard model

•Design, manufacturing, assembly/integration and initial testing of an EQM, including major evolution with respect to the electro-mechanics, digital control & drive electronics and the associated software/firmware

•Comprehensive functional performance testing of the Micro-CMG, including characterization of emitted micro-vibration

•Environmental test campaign (including vibration, shock and thermal vacuum tests)

•TRL 5-6 achieved at Micro-CMG equipment level

Benefits:

•The Micro-CMG as a new hardware product has been designed and tested at EQM maturity level, covering all relevant sub-assemblies & components.

•Further development needs have been identified and incorporated in the overall Design, Development & Verification Plan, towards full qualification and readiness of the new actuator for the European & international market.