CMG for SmallSats
Tensor Tech
The TensorCMG Series features variable-speed, single-gimbal Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs) driven by spherical motor technology, suitable for satellites from 30 kg to 1000 kg.
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- Mass
- 2.5 kg
- Power
- 10 W
- Largest dimension
- 120 mm
- Thrust
- 3 N
Normalised to common units so this product can be compared with others in its category. The supplier's own wording is below.
As published by the supplier
- Momentum
- 1 Nms
- Torque
- > 3 Nm
- Gimbal axis angular range
- Unlimited
- Gimbal maneuver
- > 30 million
- Dimensions
- 100 x 100 x 120 mm3
- Mass
- < 2.5 kg
- Rotor imbalance
- ISO 1940. G0.4
- Supplied DC bus voltage
- 22 ~ 34 V
- Communication interface
- RS-422
- Radiation hardness
- > 24 krad(Si) on electronics
About
The TensorCMG Series offers variable-speed, single-gimbal Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs) utilizing spherical motor technology. These CMGs are available in single and clustered configurations and are designed for satellites ranging from 30 kg to 1000 kg. The spherical motor design contributes to reduced weight, volume, and power consumption (SWaP). An autonomous torque calculation algorithm is integrated on the control board, enabling multi-axis torque output through simple commands. Key features include torque-to-power ratio optimization, a form factor that fits the tuna-can standard, soft error and hard error fault detection, and magnetic leakage flux shielded with Ni-iron alloy. The device maintains a spinning rotor at variable speed through spherical motor actuation, with the rotor mounted in a gimbal frame allowing its spin axis to tilt. This tilting action generates gyroscopic moments, inducing spacecraft rotation due to the conservation of angular momentum, which requires significantly less mechanical power compared to reaction-wheel-torque. The product is also specified to have low jitter (micro-vibration) at ISO1940 G0.4 @ 8000rpm.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.