Verification of control moment gyroscopes based attitude control systems for agile satellite missions

Large torque amplification and momentum storage capacity are the two basic properties that make control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) superior when compared to the reaction and momentum wheels commonly used in spacecraft attitude control. Software and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) tests are carried out for the verification of the requirements of CMG based attitude control systems (ACS). In order to have even a more realistic results, CMG based ACS HIL tests are performed on three axis air bearing test bed by taking into account the restrictions of the air bearing table used. The results of these simulations and tests are presented.