Reaktiolaskelmat

Reaktiolaskelmat, also known as reaction wheels, are devices used in spacecraft to control and stabilize the orientation of the vehicle. They operate on the principle of conservation of angular momentum, using the gyroscopic effect to maintain or change the spacecraft's attitude. A reaction wheel consists of a spinning mass mounted on a motor-driven gimbal. By varying the speed of the wheel, the spacecraft can be rotated in the opposite direction, allowing for precise control over its orientation.

Reaction wheels are commonly used in satellites and other spacecraft for several reasons. They are relatively simple, reliable, and require no external forces or torques to operate. They can provide high torque for attitude control and are suitable for both short-term and long-term stabilization. However, they have some limitations, such as a limited angular momentum storage capacity and potential for wheel saturation, where the wheel reaches its maximum speed and can no longer provide torque.

To mitigate these limitations, spacecraft often use a combination of reaction wheels and other attitude control systems, such as magnetorquers or thrusters. This hybrid approach allows for more efficient and reliable attitude control, especially for missions with long duration or high precision requirements. Reaction wheels have been a crucial technology in space exploration, enabling the successful operation of numerous satellites and spacecraft.