The Digital Press

Choosing between reaction wheels (RWs) and control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) for satellite attitude control involves balancing agility, torque, complexity, and mission-specific needs, especially as satellite sizes increase.

Why it matters: Selecting the right actuator impacts satellite agility, power consumption, reliability, and overall mission success.

The big picture: RWs suit smaller, stability-focused missions; CMGs provide higher torque and agility, ideal for larger or defense-related satellites requiring rapid maneuvers.

The stakes: CMGs are more complex, costly, and less reliable due to moving parts and ITAR restrictions, while RWs may lack torque for highly agile missions.

Commenters say: Insights highlight trade-offs between simplicity and performance, with many favoring RWs for reliability and CMGs for high agility in specialized missions.