CubeSpace (CS), a leading provider of high-performance ADCS subsystems, has extended its range of flight-proven Reaction Wheels to include several MicroSat options, showcasing robust solutions that address critical industry needs for shorter lead times, increased affordability, and uncompromising reliability. With over a decade of flight heritage and more than 1,400 reaction wheels currently in orbit, CS continues to empower satellite manufacturers to go from order to orbit faster and more efficiently.
Reaction wheels are a traditionally complex and costly satellite subsystem, often plagued by long lead times. CS has disrupted this paradigm by leveraging its extensive experience and innovative design principles to offer a compelling alternative.
The CS MicroSat wheel range incorporates several novel features designed to meet the evolving demands of satellite manufacturers:
- Redundancy: All MicroSat wheels have full redundancy on motor windings, hall sensors, and all electronics, offering unbeatable reliability.
- Ultra-low Microvibration: All wheels have built-in dampers, and are available in a pyramid configuration with additional dampers, ensuring extremely low microvibration for precision EO payloads.
- Precision Low Speed Control: Integrated high-resolution encoders ensure accurate speed control to near-zero speeds.
- Custom-built In-house Motors: In-house designed and manufactured motors, scaled exactly for each size reaction wheel, coupled with bearings and lubrication from industry-leading suppliers, ensure best-in-class mechanical performance.
- Design for manufacturing: Industrialising processes incorporating Lean Manufacturing principles, coupled with redundant supply chains, ensure always-on-time delivery and building to stock.
- Rigorous Qualification: All wheels are laser-balanced, vibrated, and shock-tested on in-house equipment, and Kistler table verified to monitor any changes in balance and vibration, ensuring optimal performance in orbit regardless of launcher.
CS's journey began in the demanding nanosatellite market, where it launched hundreds of its reaction wheels and actively collaborated with customers, many of whom were building satellites for the first time. This unique, hands-on experience provided invaluable direct feedback on performance, integration processes, and in-orbit commissioning. By stepping into the shoes of its customers, CS was able to implement iterative design, process, and documentation improvements, resulting in an incredibly mature and refined product line, supported by robust documentation and support infrastructure.
Beyond the technical superiority, CS offers significant operational advantages:
- Exceptional Affordability: CS reaction wheels are up to half the cost of competitors, making them an incredibly compelling option for satellite manufacturers.
- Unmatched Lead Times: Standard lead times are an impressive 12 weeks, with a proven monthly production cadence of 160 wheels p/m and a ramp-up capacity to 320 wheels p/m.
- Accelerated Order-to-Orbit: Through a scalable design, partial stockholding, and pre-built subassemblies, CS empowers customers to deploy their satellites faster than ever before.
At CS, 'ready for space' isn’t a slogan, it’s a promise backed by discipline. The company already meets the requirements of ISO9001 and is actively working towards AS9100 certification. This commitment ensures that all products are designed and manufactured in line with industry best practices, guaranteeing robust and repeatable quality.
CubeSpace (CS) is a globally recognised leader in Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) and has provided 350+ turn-key control solutions and 4,000+ products, including Sun Sensors, Star Trackers, Magnetometers, Magnetorquers and Reaction Wheels.
Supporting over 250 customers in more than 30 countries, CS will be unveiling a "Made in the US" option in the coming months, providing even greater flexibility and support for its North American customers.
Leading in ADCS innovation and cutting-edge solutions, CS is a trusted supplier to major space agencies, as well as a majority of constellation primes and ambitious commercial satellite builders. Supporting customers from design through to commissioning, CS is setting a new gold standard for control systems globally.
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