Spacecraft has electrical power, by solar power for example, then the aircraft can rotate. Up to 3 axes can be controlled this way.Įxtra gyroscopes can be used for redundancy. More gyroscopes that are forcibly rotated using an electric motor. The second solution is to use a Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG). Spacecraft’s life (assuming it can’t be refuelled) or at huge cost (if it can be refuelled).
It also means that the thrusters are used only when necessary as it will reduce the
This clearly needs careful planningĪs any extra weight on a spacecraft by its very nature is inhibitively expensive. Using some propellant which will eventually be used up. Spacecraft can be briefly fired to rotate the spacecraft. Rotating a spacecraft in space can only be achieved in two ways (3 ways with reaction wheels).įirstly thrusters (small rocket motors) that are positioned at points around the This kit is aimed at aerospace students/engineers, robotics students and uber-geeks! What was once a niche market is now increasingly taught due to the growth in microsats. You will still need to understand the theory, but this will enable you to put it into practice quickly. This kit helps you to understand all the fundamentals of Control Moment Gyroscopes.