Abstract: The present invention is a temperature control system for a motor coupled to a power source. The motor has at least one winding which serves as a heater and temperature sensor as well as producing torque during normal operation. The mathematical relationship between temperature and resistance in the motor winding is used to determine the winding temperature. The actual winding temperature is then compared to a desired operating temperature, and the current to the motor winding is controlled so as to keep the motor temperature within a desired range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the rate of rotation of a rotating satellite 10 utilizing an imaging device 12 located on the satellite. The imaging device takes a first celestial sphere image view 22 at a first point in time and takes a second celestial image view 26 at a second point in time. The difference between the first and second images 30, differentiated over the time between the taking of the first and second images, is used to determine the rate of rotation of the satellite 32.

Abstract: A high performance, lightweight and low cost dynamically controlled motor 10 is disclosed wherein the position control of the motor is accomplished by the use of an electronic braking apparatus 20. The dynamically controlled motor 10 of the present invention includes a standard electric motor 15 controlled by the electronic braking apparatus 20. The electric braking apparatus 20 includes a piezoelectric transducer 50 which can be activated to provide a braking force to the rotor 35. The rotor 35 is rotated to the desired stopping location, then the electronic braking apparatus 20 is activated by activating the piezoelectric transducer 50. The rotor 35 can thereby be held at the desired position.