Microsatellite combined attitude/energy systems

Abstract

We have constructed a high-temperature super conductor-magnet momentum wheel for microsatellites and propose a micro high-temperature superconductor energy storage and attitude control system for nano/pico satellites. The momentum wheel for micro satellites has a mass of 1.1 kg with an angular momentum capacity of 3.5 J sec. It occupies a volume of 12.7 cm in diameter and 5 cm in height. It operates within the restricted power budget of a microsatellite with a total power supply of only 10 watts. It consumes less than 1 watt for sustenance. The micro high-temperature superconductor flywheel for nano/pico satellites has an angular momentum capacity of 0.083 Js and stores 2.32 kJ at 530 krpm. Its energy storage capacity is approximately 45 Wh/kg with an energy density of around 370 kJ/L. The HTS systems can perform the dual function of a power/attitude control system and are ideally suited for low earth orbit energy storage, power generation, and attitude control of spacecraft.