Thomas Yen, Tensor Tech
Afan Huang, Tensor Tech
Julien Hennequin, Tensor Tech
Sam Lee, Tensor Tech
Thomas Yen, CEO, Tensor Tech
Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs) are advanced attitude control devices used in satellite Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS). Leveraging gyroscopic torque, CMGs provide precise and efficient angular momentum management, making them ideal for agile and responsive satellite maneuvering. Companies like Tensor Tech have innovated in the field, offering state-of-the-art CMG solutions tailored for modern space applications.
Pros:
High Torque Efficiency: CMGs amplify small actuator inputs into significant torque outputs, enabling rapid reorientation of satellites with minimal power consumption.
Scalability: CMG arrays can be configured to meet various mission requirements, from nanosatellites to large spacecraft.
Continuous and Smooth Control: Unlike reaction wheels, CMGs provide continuous torque without the need for momentum unloading during standard operations.
Enhanced Agility: Their ability to perform swift and complex maneuvers is advantageous for Earth observation, surveillance, and interplanetary missions.
Cons:
Singularity Challenges: CMGs face singularity issues where torque output directions become constrained, necessitating sophisticated algorithms for avoidance and resolution.
Mechanical Complexity: Their intricate design, involving gimbals and motors, increases the risk of mechanical failure and maintenance demands.
Higher Costs: Advanced manufacturing and precision engineering make CMGs more expensive than alternative systems like reaction wheels.
Power and Thermal Management: The high power requirements and heat dissipation of CMGs pose design challenges, especially for small satellites.
Tensor Tech has addressed several of these limitations by developing compact, reliable CMG systems optimized for diverse satellite platforms. Their innovations underscore the potential of CMGs as a cornerstone for advanced ADCS applications, balancing the trade-offs between performance and operational constraints.