Mechanical Wheels

Stork Product Engineering acquired the Momentum Wheel business of Astrium UK in 2001. Astrium Ltd. provided momentum and reaction wheels among others for the following missions: Radarsat-1, XMM, Integral and Rosetta. A thorough transfer plan was initiated to assure the right transfer of knowledge, skills and workmanship to Stork Product Engineering.

Stork Product Engineering can now offer fully qualified wheel designs varying in momentum capacity from 3 Nms to 70 Nms. This is achieved through the evolution of a common design concept of bearing assembly, DC brushless motor and structural configuration into three different levels.

The units have been designed for a minimum 10 year life which is demonstrated by analysis and real time test data.

The wheels are designed to be operated without change as either reaction or momentum wheel and are fully bi-directional in operation.

Stork Product Engineering can also provide fully qualified Wheel Drive Electronics. The Wheel Drive Electronics Unit exists in its own enclosure and can be located anywhere on the spacecraft.