cyber® reaction wheel 2 for pico & nano satellites

The compact cyber® reaction wheel 2 is especially designed for attitude control used in pico or nano satellites. Due to its cube shape with integrated electronic control it can be used in several configurations. The reaction wheel is provided with vacuum-rated bearings and components resisting radiation terms up to 200 Gy. Profiting from the experience of WITTENSTEIN cyber motor in the field of precise small permanent magnet motors and ZFT in the field of reliable space electronics and software engineering.

Project NetSat

A complete observation of an object without blind spots requires the combination of images from different perspectives. We also want to avoid hidden points when observing the Earth, in order to set new standards in the three-dimensional observation of our planet and to be better positioned for future communication networks. The Centre for Telematics in Würzburg has developed four CubeSat mini-satellites (mass <4kg) for this purpose and launched them on 28 September 2020 from the Plessezk Cosmodrome into an orbit 600 km above the Earth using a Soyuz rocket. On board for each satellite are six reaction wheels from WITTENSTEIN cyber motor. A radio link enables data exchange between the smallest satellites, which allows various manoeuvres to be carried out. The cyber® reaction wheel 2 takes over the position control in x-, y- and z-direction.

Excellent solution for ambitious missions

Compactness

  • 20 x 20 x 20 mm (L x W x H)
  • < 30g

Efficiency

  • 5 V supply voltage
  • 480 mW rated power consumption @2 mNms

Precision

  • Individually balanced to reduce vibration
  • Self-calibrating control algorithm
  • Multiple optimization patterns

Robustness

  • Radiation up to 200 Gy
  • -40°C to +85°C operating temperature

High performance density

  • Momentum storage 2,0 mNms
  • Max. rotation speed: 18.000 rpm
  • Peak torque: 0,4 mNm

Connectivity

  • UART
  • I2C
  • SPI

Technical construction

Extremely compact in a square space of 20 x 20 x 20 mm, the reaction wheel is especially designed for rough space conditions. The square construction makes space-saving integration possible and, with its low torque / weight ratio it provides maximum flexibility in the application. The efficiency, robustness and compactness characterize the reaction wheel.

Technical data

  

Performance

 
  

Momentum storage (@18.000 rpm)

2,0 mNms

  

Maximum rotation speed

18.000 rpm

  

Peak torque

0,4 mNm

  

Mechanical

 
  

Mass

< 30 g

  

Dimension

20 x 20 x 20 mm

  

Electrical

 
  

Supply voltage

5 V

  

Operating voltage

3,3 - 8,4 V

  Rated power consumption (@2 mNms)480 mW
  Peak power consumption (configurable)<1500 mW
  

Environmental

 

  

Operating temperature

-40°C to +85°C

  

Survival temperature

-60°C to +100°C

  

Operating time

25000 h

System

For a 360 ° alignment of the satellite, the reaction wheels can be positioned in various arrangements.
The most common variants are shown below:

Tetrahedron on board

Reaction wheels on grid

cyber® reaction wheel starter kit

For commissioning, we offer the cyber® reaction wheel starter kit, whereby the reaction wheel can be put into operation within a few moments using a PC and the cyber® reaction wheel assistant graphical user interface. This also allows diagnostics, optimization and parameterization to be carried out. 

Downloads

Contact us

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If so, please contact us directly. We look forward to hearing from you!

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