RW400 Reaction wheels

Our high-performance RW400 reaction wheels are ideal for agile small satellite missions requiring accurate pointing.

The RW400 series reaction wheel is aimed at applications in 6 to 12U CubeSats or similar platforms. It comes in three models that offer 15, 30 or 50 mN.m.s of angular momentum storage respectively in both directions. Up to 12 mN.m of torque allow for rapid slewing operations with small satellites.

The RW400 series reaction wheel is a low mass, low power reaction control wheel, which allows CubeSats and other small platforms to control their attitude. The wheel is also used in the iADCS400- series of attitude determination and control systems.

The small envelope of 50 x 50 x 27 mm includes a dedicated controller, offering simple fire-and-forget control to the user,  which frees up the host processor’s workload.

Design 

The RW400 reaction wheel series has been designed with the user in mind. Thanks to its plug-and-play set-up, it is easy to use and integrate.

Performance

All versions feature in excess of 8 mN.m of torque and both I²C compliant interface as well as a bidirectional RS422 interface. Different interfaces are available on request.

Heritage

The RW400 series is based on the experience of AAC Clyde Space in the design, development and flight qualification of small reaction wheels.

Why the RW400?

• TRL 9
• 24 Week Lead Time
• Flown Since 2023
• 15, 30, or 50 mN.m.s of angular momentum storage in both directions
• Maximum torque: 12 mN.m
• Fire-and-forget control
• I²C compatible interface
• RS422/RS485 interface
• Primary components radiation tolerant at least up
  to 36 krad
• Low mass: 197 / 210 / 375 g
• Low power: < 1900 mW @ 55 mN.m.s
• Compact: 50 x 50 x 27 mm