This U.S. Patent Application relates to a control moment gyroscope (CMG) system, and particularly, as used for spacecraft attitude control.
A CMG system is an attitude (3D space orientation) control device generally used in spacecraft attitude control systems. A typical CMG system consists of a spinning rotor and one or more motorized gimbals that tilt the rotor's angular momentum. As the rotor tilts, the changing angular momentum causes a gyroscopic torque that rotates the spacecraft. Typically, multiple CMGs are configured in an array to achieve 3-axis attitude control. Various CMG array designs have been used, some more commonly than others.
Current satellite missions are both costly and time consuming to conduct. This is primarily driven by the need for custom components development and integration into a complete system. Current CMG systems are designed for a specific class/size satellite and must be custom modified for systems that do not conform to those specifications, thereby adding to their cost. It would be desirable to provide a CMG system that could be modularly adapted and did not need to be custom modified for a different class/size of satellite in order to reduce its cost
In accordance with the present invention, a modular CMG system for a spacecraft attitude control system (ACS) comprises a plurality of CMG modules, wherein each CMG module has a modular enclosure design that is identical to that of the other CMG modules, such that the plurality of CMG modules are mountable in a spacecraft array bus structure in any desired one of multiple array configurations.
The modular CMG system employs identical CMG modules that enable it to be adapted for multiple ACS configurations and parallel CMG architectures, thereby making the system applicable to a wide range of satellite applications with a low-cost and readily available off-the-shelf solution. In addition, the discrete modules of the modular CMG system allow individual CMG modules to be discreetly distributed on a spacecraft bus structure where space is available. Because each CMG module is identical to all the others, replacement of a damaged unit is fast, simple, and inexpensive. The modular CMG system thus enables multiple array configurations, system scalability, flexible packaging, and rapid installation and removal.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be explained in the following detailed description of the invention having reference to the appended drawings.
In the following detailed description of the invention, certain preferred embodiments are illustrated providing certain specific details of their implementation. However, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that many other variations and modifications may be made given the disclosed principles of the invention.
The modular CMG system allows for multiple ACS configurations and parallel CMG architectures to be employed, making the system applicable to a wide range of satellite applications with a low-cost and readily available off-the-shelf solution. In addition, the discrete modules of the invention allow individual CMG modules to be discreetly distributed on a spacecraft bus structure where space is available. Because each CMG module is identical to all the other, replacement of a damaged unit is fast, simple, and inexpensive. The modular CMG system thus enables multiple array configurations, system scalability, flexible packaging, and rapid installation and removal.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to details of certain embodiments, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the following claims.
This U.S. Patent Application claims the priority of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/213,835, in the names of the same inventors, filed Jul. 20, 2009.
This invention was developed with research funding of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, a U.S. Government agency, under Small Business Innovative Research subcontract FA9453-09-M-0177, and the U.S. Government retains certain rights therein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61213835 | Jul 2009 | US |