The Tensor Tech TensorADCS-40m is an integrated ADCS built around two variable-speed, single-gimbal Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) suitable for 12~24U CubeSats. It delivers comparable performances compared to ADCSs designed for similar sizes of satellites but offers lighter weight, more compact volume, and less power consumption. This configuration offers superior pointing accuracy and higher slew rates compared to the TensorADCS-10m and TensorADCS-20m.

Users can directly input through the onboard computer (OBC) attitude quaternion as the reference command or set the system to automated modes such as de-tumbling, sun-tracking, LVLH, and target tracking modes.

Attitude determination and control algorithms embedded in the ADCS computer take care of all the commands to the ADCS components. This enables the user’s OBC to focus on the mission operations 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 TensorADCS-40m includes four TensorCMG-10m, five standard TensorFSS-15 fine sun sensors, one TensorFSS-15M (a fine sun sensor with a triaxial magnetometer), three TensorMTQ-2 magnetorquers, one air coil and one control board with integrated gyros.

Technical Specifications:

• Mass: <1.46 kg
• Dimension: 4*Tuna cans & 0.4U or 1.2U (Integrated ADCS Box version)
• Pointing Knowledge: 0.3 deg (standard config.) 2’’ or 3’’ (with optional star tracker config.)
• Control Accuracy: 0.1 deg
• Momentum: 41.6 mNms on x,y,z-axis
• Slew rate:
  • 12U Nanosatellite: 2.8 deg/s (60x10x10, 12Kg, maneuver time 5 sec)
  • 16U NanoSatellite: 2.6 deg/s (60x20x10, 16Kg, maneuver time 5 sec)
• Output Torque: 4 mNm
• Voltage: 5 V and 3.3V
• Power @ half momentum: 7W
• Interface: UART/RS485
• Optional Accessories: GNSS Receiver and star tracker