Project Title:
Integrated Power and Attitude-Control System for the Space Station
10.01-0540
NAS8-38461
Integrated Power and Attitude-Control System
for the Space Station
Satcon Technology Corporation
12 Emily Street
Cambridge, MA 02139-4507
Richard L. Hockney
(617-661-8942)
Abstract:
Integrated power- and attitude-control systems (IPACS), which store energy in the
momentum wheels used also for spacecraft attitude control, were shown in studies
conducted a decade ago to have advantages over other contemporary energy-storage
and attitude-control systems. Recent technology advances in composite rotors, magnetic
bearings, and power-control electronics trigger new optimism regarding the feasibility
and merits of IPACS. The focus of this project is to define an advanced IPACS and
to evaluate its merits for the NASA Space Station and other applications. A design
concept will be developed to establish the system feasibility and performance capability.
A system-level trade study, including life-cycle costing, will be performed to define
the merits of the system relative to two other candidate systems. Prototype hardware
demonstrating key technical issues would be developed and tested as a Phase II effort.
Potential Commercial Application:
Potential Commercial Applications: Applications are expected mainly for space systems.