Design, Analysis and In-orbit Performance of the BILSAT-1 Microsatellite Twin Control Moment Gyroscope Experimental Cluster

Design, Analysis and In-orbit Performance of the BILSAT-1 Microsatellite Twin Control Moment Gyroscope Experimental Cluster Lappas, V.J., Oosthuizen, P., Madle, P., Cowie, L., P., Yuksel, G., Fertin, D. Abstract: Small Satellites have become useful and intelligent spacecraft with sophisticated attitude control and determination systems. However, near future missions will require for from these platforms a higher degree of agility with a simultaneous need for better efficiency. Control Moment Gyros are an ideal candidate technology with a unique capability to efficiently produce large torques and angular momentum with a small power consumption and savings in mass. The paper describes the design of an experimental payload of a two CMG cluster for an earth observation microsatellite, BILSAT-1. The two CMG cluster is analysed and simulations detail the performance features of the CMGs. Initial in-orbit results on the CMGs are presented along with a plan on future manoeuvres/experiments.