Abstract: Pyrotechnic systems and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a pyrotechnic system includes a combustible material in a housing having a first and second portion. The first portion of the housing can have an inlet for receiving combustion products and the second portion can have an outlet to propagate combustion between the second portion of the housing and the combustible material. The system can further include a combustible carrier material movable from the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing. The combustible carrier material can be ignited in a first portion of the housing and capable of sustaining combustion while being moved to the second portion of the housing. Additional embodiments can include a seal positioned to block a migration of combustion products between the first and second portions of the housing when the combustible carrier material is in the first portion of the housing.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic systems and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a pyrotechnic system includes a combustible material in a housing having a first and second portion. The first portion of the housing can have an inlet for receiving combustion products and the second portion can have an outlet to propagate combustion between the second portion of the housing and the combustible material. The system can further include a combustible carrier material movable from the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing. The combustible carrier material can be ignited in a first portion of the housing and capable of sustaining combustion while being moved to the second portion of the housing. Additional embodiments can include a seal positioned to block a migration of combustion products between the first and second portions of the housing when the combustible carrier material is in the first portion of the housing.

Abstract: An improved reaction wheel assembly and method is provided whereby a reaction wheel assembly contains a safing mechanism for securing the assembly. A rotor shaft assembly and bearings are provided whereby a reaction wheel assembly selectively may be either safe or operational, and the safing assembly provides for application of stabilizing force longitudinally along the axis of rotation of a rotor shaft. Further, a method of providing momentum stabilization to a vehicle using this apparatus is provided. A safing mechanism for releasably securing a reaction wheel rotor assembly of a satellite during launch is disclosed.