Reaction wheel for CubeSats

Introduction

Reaction wheel is element using flywheel to adjust and maintain orientation of satellites and other spacecraft. Product was especially designed for CubeSats which are sized in Units, each unit has 10x10x10cm space, CubeSats can occupy multiple units so their size is commonly described as 1U, 2U, 3U etc where for example 3U CubeSat means 10x10x30cm space.

To effectively maneouver such spacecrafts, reaction wheels need to be small, low power and packing enough power and precision to perform designated tasks.

Scope of Work

Cooperation started as a project rescue, when client's previous software developers left company, they searched for immediate solution to rescue the project. 

Our help was in area of software development services, focused on following topics:

• Review existing code
• Develop and test algorightms responsible for motor control
• Prepare API for integration with external components
• Implement all code to work reliably with Dual-Core Lockstep architecture

Results and Impact

Active development lasted 3 months, during this period we managed to:

• Take over code from previous engineers
• Succesfully test MVP of solution
• Prepare everything for hand-off and support client with recruitment

In result, client was saved from 3 months of delay, project moved forward and new hires could start work directly.