MOMENTUM CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A momentum control system and method is provided that provides attitude control for a vehicle while minimizing the negative effects of the momentum control system. The momentum control system and method include at least one more reaction wheel than the degrees of freedom under control. For example, in a vehicle designed to rotate in all three directions, at least four reaction wheels would be provided. The additional reaction wheel provides an additional control parameter that can be used to minimize the cost of the momentum control system's performance. The cost of the momentum control system that can be minimized includes the effects of vibration, power consumption, and undesirable changes in rotational direction, among others.