ADCS · Upstream
Attitude control that scales with your satellite
Four VSCMG in a patented linear configuration, driven by our own attitude determination and control software.
Layout
Patented linear configuration
Two VSCMG lying in one direction and two more on top at right angles: together they fill a cubic volume with no empty space. Each one drives a gimbal and a variable-speed wheel: 8 motors and 8 degrees of freedom that the software combines to deliver the torque the mission needs. Large or small, the layout scales with the satellite and keeps the same advantages.
VSCMG: variable-speed control moment gyroscope. Unlike a classic CMG, the wheel speed can also change.
- Every bit of volume usedThe four modules fill the cube with no gaps: more torque in the same space.
- Keeps pointing if a unit failsWith eight degrees of freedom there are spare actuators to cover a failure.
- Fewer singularitiesThe variable-speed wheel adds one more degree of freedom to get out of them without losing control.
How it works
A closed loop, all ours
The command comes in, our software computes the rate of each gimbal and each wheel, and the sensors close the loop.
Orientation to hold, or a point on Earth to track
Attitude and rate estimated from the sensors
→ attitude and rateTorque needed to reach the target
→ torqueRate of each gimbal and each wheel, avoiding singularities
→ 8 motor commandsPatented linear layout
Turns and holds its attitude
- DetumblingStops the satellite spinning after separation from the launcher.UnsolvedSolved
- PointingSun, nadir or a point on Earth, with smooth switching between modes.UnsolvedSolved
- SingularitiesThe steering law detects them early and avoids or crosses them without losing control.UnsolvedSolved
- SaturationMonitors stored momentum and dumps it before reaching the limit.UnsolvedSolved
- Safe modeAfter a fault, brings the satellite to a stable attitude and waits for ground commands.UnsolvedSolved
Validation
From the bench to orbit
- 2026Tested on air bearingFull loop validated on the bench, with the real hardware.Done
- 2027First flight modelIntegration and qualification tests.Planned
- 2028LaunchFirst in-orbit demonstration.Planned
Blog
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ReadRequest the datasheet
Interfaces, sensors, modes and full performance. Tell us the mission and platform and we will send it with a first assessment.