Reaction Wheels

Reaction wheels are devices used for attitude control of spacecraft. They consist of a spinning wheel mounted on a motor that can change the wheel's speed and direction. By changing the speed and direction of the wheels, the spacecraft can change its orientation without using fuel. Reaction wheels are used to stabilize spacecraft, point instruments, and change the spacecraft's orientation for communication with Earth. They are also used to compensate for external disturbances, such as solar wind and gravity gradients. However, reaction wheels have limited torque and can become saturated, requiring other attitude control methods to be used in conjunction with them.
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