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Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), a non-profit R&D corporation owned by Utah State University, is close to completing initial development of a series of miniaturized components for small satellites. Alternately, SDL says they can also be used in larger satellites to save weight and cost. The units, which include a very small tetrahedral reaction wheel prototype, single board processor and other sensors, have been developed as part of PEARL – the pico-satellite exo-atmospheric research laboratory. The reaction wheel prototype and PEARL (right) on display at NSS. (Guy Norris) The initial 3U-sized PEARL mock-up, displayed at NSS, measures 13.5-in. in height by just over 4-in. square, and is one of the smallest spacecraft to provide 3-axis attitude control, as well as a platform for navigation and mission data processing. A full-up PEARL prototype could be ready for tests in space within 18 months says SDL, and an optional deployable solar array is also under development for missions requiring greater power needs.
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), a non-profit R&D corporation owned by Utah State University, is close to completing initial development of a series of miniaturized components for small satellites. Alternately, SDL says they can also be used in larger satellites to save weight and cost. The units, which include a very small tetrahedral reaction wheel prototype, single board processor and other sensors, have been developed as part of PEARL – the pico-satellite exo-atmospheric research laboratory.
The reaction wheel prototype and PEARL (right) on display at NSS. (Guy Norris)
The initial 3U-sized PEARL mock-up, displayed at NSS, measures 13.5-in. in height by just over 4-in. square, and is one of the smallest spacecraft to provide 3-axis attitude control, as well as a platform for navigation and mission data processing. A full-up PEARL prototype could be ready for tests in space within 18 months says SDL, and an optional deployable solar array is also under development for missions requiring greater power needs.
Tags: os99, ss09, PEARL, SDL