Large angle attitude maneuver control for small satellite using variable inertial reaction wheels

A large, angle attitude maneuver problem for a small satellite with variable inertial reaction wheels (VIRWs) as actuator is investigated. VIRW is a new momcnlum exchange device, which can provide attitude control torque not only by adjusting the spin rale, but also by changing the inertia of the wheel. The attitude dynamic equation of the small satellite with VIRWs was established and the attitjde control law and wheels' steering law were designed. Simulation results verify the validity of the attitude control law and wheels steering law and also demonstrate that, compared with the conventional reaction wheel, VIKW is superior in avoiding wheel' s saturation and can provide control torque within a larger range. Therefore, both the high accuracy attitude stabilization and rapid large angle attitude maneuver can be achieved by using VIRWs.