Spacecraft Momentum Control Systems ― A Comprehensive Guide

The goal of this book is to serve both as a practical technical reference and a resource for gaining a fuller understanding of the state of the art of spacecraft momentum control systems, specifically looking at control moment gyroscopes (CMGs). As a result, the subject matter includes theory, technology, and systems engineering. The authors combine material on system-level architecture of spacecraft that feature momentum-control systems with material about the momentum-control hardware and software. This also encompasses material on the theoretical and algorithmic approaches to the control of space vehicles with CMGs. In essence, CMGs are the attitude-control actuators that make contemporary highly agile spacecraft possible. The rise of commercial Earth imaging, the advances in privately built spacecraft (including small satellites), and the growing popularity of the subject matter in academic circles over the past decade argues that now is the time for an in-depth treatment of the topic. CMGs are augmented by reaction wheels and related algorithms for steering all such actuators, which together comprise the field of spacecraft momentum control systems. The material is presented at a level suitable for practicing engineers and those with an undergraduate degree in mechanical, electrical, and/or aerospace engineering.

Brian J. Hamilton is Principal Fellow at Honeywell Defense and Space Electronics Systems, with 37 years’ experience in satellite systems, momentum control hardware, software, and simulation.

Dr. Frederick A. Leve is a Research Aerospace Engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base. Leader in the field of control-moment gyroscope steering. Author of many papers on agile spacecraft control and the mathematics of CMG array singularities.

Dr. Mason A. Peck is a Former Chief Technologist of NASA and Professor at Cornell University with 20 years’ experience in aerospace engineering, including advanced technology development and spacecraft systems engineering.