Abstract: A system and method for controlling and stabilizing a satellite or other vehicle about any axis is disclosed. Embodiments achieve this three-axis control and stabilization with a spherical motor system or reaction sphere capable of storing momentum in a rotor. The spherical motor system comprises a spherical rotor having permanent magnets arranged in evenly-spaced antipodal pairs. Each of the permanent magnets are oriented with the same magnetic pole facing outward from a center of the rotor. The spherical motor system also comprises a stator which has magnetic sensors surrounding electromagnets. The spherical motor system further comprises a control system that controls timing and duration of energization of the electromagnets based on the detection of one of the permanent magnets by the magnetic sensors. Such a spherical motor system provides three-axis stabilization and control of a satellite (or other vehicle).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and stabilizing a satellite or other vehicle about any axis is disclosed. Embodiments achieve this three-axis control and stabilization with a spherical motor system or reaction sphere capable of storing momentum in a rotor. The spherical motor system comprises a spherical rotor having permanent magnets arranged in evenly-spaced antipodal pairs. Each of the permanent magnets are oriented with the same magnetic pole facing outward from a center of the rotor. The spherical motor system also comprises a stator which has magnetic sensors surrounding electromagnets. The spherical motor system further comprises a control system that controls timing and duration of energization of the electromagnets based on the detection of one of the permanent magnets by the magnetic sensors. Such a spherical motor system provides three-axis stabilization and control of a satellite (or other vehicle).