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Swankie
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Here is a link to Cal Polys ACS they built. My question is: they claim each reaction wheel is angled at 29.3 degrees. Why would that be? My only guess is that they are each pointed at the CoM.
The 29.3 degree angle is based on the Earth's tilt, also known as its axial tilt. This angle allows the reaction wheels to align with the Earth's spin axis, allowing for more efficient attitude control for spacecraft and satellites.
The 29.3 degree angle is the specific tilt of the Earth's axis, so it is the most efficient angle for reaction wheels to be angled at in order to match the spin of the Earth. This prevents unnecessary energy usage and allows for smoother and more accurate attitude control.
While other angles may be possible, the 29.3 degree angle is the most optimal for efficient attitude control. Other angles may result in less stability and require more energy to maintain the desired orientation.
Reaction wheels are essentially spinning disks or flywheels that rotate at high speeds in order to change the spacecraft's orientation. At the 29.3 degree angle, the reaction wheels are aligned with the Earth's spin axis, allowing for the most efficient control of the spacecraft's attitude.
While the 29.3 degree angle is the most optimal for efficient attitude control, it may not be suitable for all spacecraft and missions. Some spacecraft may require different orientations for specific tasks, and in those cases, a different angle may be more suitable. Additionally, the 29.3 degree angle may not be as effective for spacecraft orbiting bodies other than Earth.