Spacecraft Integrated-Power and Attitude-Control System

ABSTRACT: The electrical power system (EPS) for spacecraft generally is comprised of a solar array system for collecting solar power when exposed to sunlight and onboard batteries for storing power that can be used when the satellite is in eclipse. While this method has been used for decades, the use of batteries also has some disadvantages that significantly affect the design of the spacecraft. Batteries have considerable mass, limited discharge depth and limited temperature range. Advances in composite construction techniques and magnetic bearing technology are bringing Attitude Control System (ACS) components like Reaction Wheels and CMG's closer to serving in a secondary capacity as energy storage devices in addition to conventional batteries. The benefits are mass savings and greater operational flexibility. Honeybee Robotics proposes to develop & demonstrate an Integrated Power & Attitude Control System that utilizes an array of Variable Speed Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMG) to supply up to 4 kW during eclipse with a specific energy on par with state-of-the-art Li-ion battery cell performance. BENEFIT: The technology could benefit mid to large size spacecraft by reducing mass and allowing greater operational flexibility. The envision product is beneficial to both military satellite and commericial satellite markets.