Summary

The Tensor Tech ADCS-10m is an integrated Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) suitable for 3U CubeSats. The ADCS has a variable-speed, single-gimbal Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG).

It is designed to deliver the same performances but with a lighter weight, smaller volume, and less power consumption as compared to other ADCSs designed for similar sizes of satellites.

Moreover, the user's onboard computer (OBC) only has to provide the attitude quaternion as the reference command or set the system to autonomous mode.

Attitude determination and control algorithms embedded in the ADCS computer take care of all the commanding tasks to the ADCS components. This enables the user's OBC to focus on the mission operation instead of calculating the complex system dynamics of the spacecraft.

Also, autonomous modes can allow the satellite to track terrestrial objects or the sun simply by setting the states of the ADCS.

The video below is a presentation by Tensor Tech from the 2021 satsearch webinar: "a guide to selecting an ADCS for a small satellite mission". For more information about the webinar, and to see footage of the entire event, please click here

Key features

  • Offering improved torque at lower power consumption versus reaction wheels
  • Cost-effective solution with high performance
  • Local vertical local horizontal, sun pointing mode, target tracking mode, etc
  • Comprehensive software support and free technical support

Customizations

The system can be provided with an optional star tracker and GNSS receiver & antenna, to increase the attitude determination precision.
The system is provided with a PC104 connector as standard and the mounting holes, pins, and electrical connectors may be customized.

  • Included Hardware
    1 × CMG-10m Control Moment Gyroscope
    6 × FSS-15 Fine Sun Sensor
    MEMS gyroscope
    Triaxial magnetorquer and magnetometer
    Micro-Controller serves as ADCS computer
  • Optional accessories GNSS receiver & antenna
    Star tracker

Flight heritage

The system achieved flight heritage in 2022.

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Last updated: 2022-12-20

ADCS-10m Integrated Attitude Determination and Control System

8TRL

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Specs

lead time
4 to 8 mo
mass
< 300 g
volume
Tuna-can & 0.2U
supply voltage
5 V
3.3 V
power consumption
< 1 W (both 5V bus and 3.3V bus)
maximum torque
< 1 mN m for 2-axis (adjustable)
maximum momentum storage
< 10 mN m s for 2-axis (adjustable)
pointing knowledge
< ±0.1 deg (with sun)
< ±1 deg (no sun)
pointing accuracy
< ±0.2 deg (with sun)
< ±1 deg (no sun)
data interface
I2C
UART
RS422/485 (optional, only one of the two can be selected)

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