Miniature Reaction Wheels an Enabling Technology for High Performance Nanosatellites

Under this Phase II program the development, testing and space qualification of a 3-axis, very small and affordable Miniature Reaction Wheel (MRW) system for nanosatellites is proposed. This MRW, a functional hardware and software model of which was developed in Phase I, will provide nanosatellites weighing up to about 50 lbs a zero-momentum, 3-axis attitutde control system of about 0.02 degree pointing accuracy. With this accuracy, the mission capabilities of nanosatellites will be greatly enhanced, providing them with sufficiently accurate pointing capability for ground target and space object imaging. Thus, nanosatellites will be capable to perform more important missions, encouraging the increased use of nanosatellites. The expected size of the MRW system is 3"x3"x1.8", and it is expected to weigh about 1.7 lbs.At the end of Phase II the MRW system will be ready to be added to a nanosatellite and flown in space.