Mechanism of attitude control device for floating object

This paper describes the new mechanism on attitude control device for unfixed objects. Flywheel is a common attitude control device on spacecraft that provides precise control at an easy rate. However, rapid response is hardly achieved since low reaction torque is available applying flywheel. The purpose in this paper is to improve the response of attitude control device with flywheel. Brake equipment is mounted on the flywheel in order to raise the maximum torque. Maximum torque is raised dramatically utilizing the braking torque to the attitude control. Twin drive system is applied to this attitude control device so that the braking torque works in both rotation directions. It also made possible to charge the momentum without any interference to attitude control. The prototype of the attitude control device is constructed in order to examine the performance of the proposed mechanism. Experimental results show that its response improved applying the suggested mechanism. The two actuators, an electric DC motor and a powder brake, were compared in detail. It was shown that powder brake can apply high torque without large power supply in any frequency.