Applications keyboard_arrow_right Torque Sensor  |  Satellite Reaction Wheel Torque

Torque Sensor - Satellite Reaction Wheel Torque

One of the more efficient means of satellite attitude control is using reaction wheels. Reaction wheels scale easily making them excellent candidates for attitude control systems in a CubeSat. They create small torque changes necessary to keep a communication antenna pointing at earth or a telescope pointing at a star. By utilizing a micro torque sensor, the response time and torque output of the motor/flywheel can be measured, allowing for precision control loop gains to be established for the PID balancing functions used to stabilize the spacecraft.


How it Works
  1. As an electric motor spins a flywheel, the torque generated is used to provide attitude stabilization about the axis the motor is mounted on.

  2. The QTA141 Micro Reaction Torque Sensor is mounted between a brushless DC motor and the wall of the satellite.

  3. As the electric motor spins the flywheel up to the commanded rotational velocity, the resulting torque is reported by the QTA141 Torque Sensor.

  4. The torque generated is used to provide attitude stabilization about the axis the motor is mounted on.

  5. The measured torque is then displayed and recorded with the USB220 via FUTEK’s SENSIT™ software.

Products in Use

FUTEK’s QTA141 Micro Reaction Torque Sensor paired with the USB220 High Resolution USB Solution.


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All FUTEK application illustrations are strictly conceptual.
Please Contact Us with questions.

One of the more efficient means of satellite attitude control is using reaction wheels. Reaction wheels scale easily making them excellent candidates for attitude control systems in a CubeSat. They create small torque changes necessary to keep a communication antenna pointing at earth or a telescope pointing at a star. By utilizing a micro torque sensor, the response time and torque output of the motor/flywheel can be measured, allowing for precision control loop gains to be established for the PID balancing functions used to stabilize the spacecraft.


Satellite Reaction Wheel Torque
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© 1998–2024 FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.
Multi Axis Sensor, Force, Torqueapplications Satellite-Reaction-Wheel-Torque
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Z540-1 ANSI Certified17025 ISO Certified9001 ISO Certified13485 ISO CertifiedU.S. Manufacturer
+
Please follow us on linked inPlease follow us on twitterPlease follow us on youtubePlease Email us for additional info
+
10 Thomas, Irvine,
CA 92618 USA
All other trademarks, service marks and logos used in this website are the property of their respective owners.
© 1998–2024 FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.