Modular CMG technology for small satellites
Honeybee Robotics' Tiny Operationally Responsive CMG (TORC) modules are a cutting-edge Attitude Control System (ACS) for small satellites in the 5-100 kg range (e.g. CubeSat). Allowing high-agility slew maneuvers with high accelerations, the patent-pending TORC system will enable small satellites with limited mass, volume, and power resources to perform high-fidelity data acquisition, imaging and intelligence gathering missions that were previously not possible. We are also developing an integrated scissored-pair arrangement, TORC-SP, that seamlessly replaces small satellite reaction wheels; this will allow greater agility with no additional spacecraft resource requirements or increased control algorithm complexity.
- Agile. An individual module can accelerate a 24-kg satellite at 3 deg/s², enabling the next-generation of Small Satellite missions.
- Miniature. A 4-module TORC-based ACS, including control electronics, can easily fit within a 1U CubeSat structure.
- Modular. Individual TORC modules may be combined into almost limitless combinations of multi-CMG arrays (box-90, pyramidal, etc.) to create an ACS capable of full three-axis control. TORC modules are SPA-compliant and easily reconfigurable, making them the perfect solution for responsive space systems.
- Low Cost. Utilizing off-the-shelf components in combination with select custom components provides the best combination of high performance and low cost.
