Momentum Control Systems
Overview
Single-gimbal Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMG) offer significantly greater vehicle acceleration (>100x) than a reaction wheel system of the same power. However, controlling an array of CMGs is a difficult task.
Honeywell has developed turnkey controls for “roof” arrays of up to six CMGs that can be embedded in the array hardware or licensed separately. These controls accept a simple torque command, and provide deterministic, singularity-free operation with guaranteed torque availability. They also transparently manage CMG hardware failures, spin-up/down events, etc. without loss of control.
Honeywell has developed turnkey controls for “roof” arrays of up to six CMGs that can be embedded in the array hardware or licensed separately. These controls accept a simple torque command, and provide deterministic, singularity-free operation with guaranteed torque availability. They also transparently manage CMG hardware failures, spin-up/down events, etc. without loss of control.