Abstract The orientation of reaction wheels and their individual maximum torque capacity limits the agility of a rigid body. However, maximizing the isotropic torque envelope can underestimate the true capability of the system because the inertia properties are not fully considered. This is true even when performing eigenaxis maneuvers with isotropic acceleration and rate limits. Improvement in agility is possible when compared to conventional principal axis orientation of three orthogonal reaction wheels. Reorienting the reaction wheels while maintaining orthogonality can increase agility available for slew maneuvers. This paper uses the agility envelope as a tool in developing analytical equations for the optimal reaction wheel orientation to maximize agility, which can be up to 36% more than conventional methods. The equations and corresponding design curves are also presented for any system based on the normalized Inertia Ratios.
Highlights Conventional methods underestimate actual spacecraft agility performance. Reorientation of the reaction wheels increase agility up to 36%. Eigenaxis maneuvering maintained with increased performance. Design curves are presented to aid in agility design trades.
Increasing agility in orthogonal reaction wheel attitude control systems
Acta Astronautica ; 177 ; 673-683
2020-08-21
11 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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