What Is the Satellite Reaction Wheel Sizing & Slew Rate Calculator?
Reaction wheel sizing establishes the torque and angular momentum requirements for spacecraft attitude control flywheels.
How Does the Satellite Reaction Wheel Sizing & Slew Rate Calculator Work?
Solves rotational kinematics for a bang-bang acceleration profile and computes required momentum storage.
Satellite Reaction Wheel Sizing & Slew Rate Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
alpha = rac{4 heta}{t^2}, quad T = I_{ ext{sat}} alpha, quad H = I_{ ext{sat}} omega_{ ext{peak}} = I_{ ext{sat}} left(alpha rac{t}{2}
ight)
Bang-bang symmetric acceleration-deceleration profile attitude maneuver dynamics.
How to Use the Satellite Reaction Wheel Sizing & Slew Rate Calculator
- Enter spacecraft moment of inertia, target reorientation angle, and total maneuver time in seconds.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
Earth Observation Agile Slew Maneuver
Input Values:
spacecraftInertiaKgM2:180
slewAngleDeg:90
maneuverDurationSeconds:60
Worked Steps: Requires wheel torque T = 314.2 mN·m, peak slew speed 3.00 °/s, and momentum capacity H = 9.42 N·m·s.
Understanding Your Result
Provides required motor torque in milli-Newton-meters and flywheel momentum capacity in N·m·s.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Smoother sinusoidal or jerk-limited acceleration profiles require ~20% higher peak torque for identical times.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- ADCS system subsystem specification, reaction wheel procurement, and agile satellite payload retargeting analysis.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes single-axis rigid body rotation without structural flexible solar array modes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Standard spacecraft attitude control bang-bang profile model.