Object Details
Manufacturer
Martin Marietta
Summary
This artifact is a momentum wheel--a device used on a satellite to maintain stable attitude (its position relative to the Earth). A satellite in orbit has a total angular momentum determined by its mass and shape. One or more momentum wheels inside the satellite can be used to maintain a particular momentum or adjust it as needed to maintain satellite stability.
Inside the casing is a metal wheel, which when in operation can spin at varying rates. Increasing or decreasing the speed of this wheel can be used to adjust the overall momentum of the satellite. A momentum wheel provides an elegant, efficient alternative to reaction rockets, which also may be used to alter a satellite's position.
Lockheed Martin donated this non-flight artifact to the Museum in 1998.
Credit Line
Gift of Lockheed Martin
Inventory Number
A19980289000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Guidance & Control
Materials
Magnesium Alloy
Aluminum
Paint
Silicone
Plastic
Copper Alloy
Rubber
Paper
Ink
Adhesive
Gold Plating
Mylar
Dimensions
3-D: 39.4 × 12.7cm (15 1/2 × 5 in.)
Storage: 63.2 × 56.2 × 36.5cm (24 7/8 × 22 1/8 × 14 3/8 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19980289000