3 ms·
A little misleasing, as technically, this "motor" will not do anything to the satellite course - but just change its orientation. It's "only" a new spin (SCNR)
by endymi0n 10y ago
A little misleasing, as technically, this "motor" will not do anything to the satellite course - but just change its orientation. It's "only" a new spin (SCNR) on gyroscopes. Interesting nonetheless, even though magnetic bearings aren't that new either as a concept. Wish they'd write what's actually new about them.
- dang 10y agoOk, we've taken "keep on course" out of the title above to try to make it less misleading. Presumably it "helps satellites" somehow or other.
- mSparks 10y agoDont see what's wrong with "keep on course". The point is you dont need to waste fuel changing the orientation when the engines can only power/accelerate you "forward". Im struck by two things. Firstly the gyroscopic means to change orientation is cool. Secondly. I'm amazed they aren't using magnetic bearings already.
- colordrops 10y agoSatellites (and other spacecraft for that matter) need to change orientation before they fire thrusters, so the original title was not really inaccurate.