Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Reaction Wheel Friction Telemetry Data Processing Methodology and On-Orbit Experience

  • Published:
The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A Globalstar 2nd generation satellite experienced a reaction wheel mechanical failure, and in response Globalstar has been closely monitoring reaction wheel bearing friction. To prevent another reaction wheel hardware failure and subsequent shortened satellite mission life, a friction data processing methodology was developed as an on-orbit monitoring tool for the ground to issue early warning and take appropriate action on any hardware degradation or potential failure. The methodology, reaction wheel friction behavior, and its application to an on-orbit anomaly experience will be presented.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Macala, G.A., Lee, A.Y., Wang, E.K.: Feasibility study of two candidate reaction wheel/thruster hybrid control architecture designs for the Cassini spacecraft. In: AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, 13– 16 August, AIAA 2012-4541. Minneapolis (2012)

  2. A Request for Information for Spacecraft Two-Reaction Wheel Hybrid Control Approaches. NASA Solicitation Number: RFI-KEPLER-2013 (2013)

  3. Bruno, D.: Contingency mixed actuator controller implementation for the Dawn asteroid rendezvous spacecraft.. In: AIAA SPACE 2012 Conference & Exposition, 11–13 September, AIAA 2012–5289. Pasadena (2012)

  4. Rayman, M.D., Mase, R.A.: Dawn’s operations in cruise from Vesta to Ceres.. In: 64th International Astronautical Congress, 23–27 September, IAC-13,A3,4,10 ×16962. Beijing (2013)

  5. Sahnow, D.J., et al.: Operations with the new FUSE observatory: three-axis control with one reaction wheel. In: SPIE Proceedings, vol. 6266 (2006)

  6. Hacker, J.M., Goddard, J.L., Lai, P.C.: Globalstar second generation hybrid attitude control on-orbit experience.. In: 24th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, 26–30 January, AAS 14-454. Santa Fe (2014)

  7. Hacker, J.M., Ying, J., Lai, P.C.: Reaction wheel friction data processing methodology and on-orbit experience.. In: 2014 AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, 4–8 August, AIAA 2014–4213. San Diego (2014)

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Globalstar Inc., 461 S. Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA, 95035, USA

    Johannes M. Hacker, Jiongyu Ying & Peter C. Lai

Authors
  1. Johannes M. Hacker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jiongyu Ying
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Peter C. Lai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peter C. Lai.

Additional information

Presented in the 2014 AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AIAA 2014-4213, San Diego, California.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Hacker, J.M., Ying, J. & Lai, P.C. Reaction Wheel Friction Telemetry Data Processing Methodology and On-Orbit Experience. J of Astronaut Sci 62, 254–269 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40295-015-0076-7

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40295-015-0076-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation