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  • Patent number: 9604736
    Abstract: An improved spacecraft actuator wheel is provided which can be operated as a momentum wheel, a reaction wheel or a gimbal. The actuator wheel has a central cavity. One or more battery modules are located within the actuator wheel's central cavity. The battery modules supply power to one or more electronic components affixed to the actuator wheel or mounted on the spacecraft frame via an electrical harness. In addition, the actuator wheel's central cavity is pressurizeable for storing spacecraft propellant which can be controllably diverted to the spacecraft's thrusters through conduits and flow valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NOVAWURKS, INC.
    Inventor: Talbot Jaeger