Design and implementation of Balancing Platform for Nanosatellite Reaction Wheel actuator

The development of satellite subsystems requires the procurement of specific means, including electrical and mechanical Ground Support Equipment (E&M GSE) and emulator systems, to assess the performance of embedded components and confirm the expected orbital functionalities essential for satellite operations and missions. In our case, in 2022, we initiated the development of an academic nanosatellite (PEDAGO-SAT) [1, 2] using a combination of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and custom-built equipment, along with their respective support test benches and platforms. These elements are necessary for our development plan, ensuring both feasibility and costeffectiveness within the constraints of an academic project. This paper focuses specifically on the balancing of reaction wheels, which are crucial elements in the attitude control subsystem (ACS) of the nanosatellite. To address this requirement, a dedicated balancing platform has been designed and developed in our department, considering both budget limitations and the academic nature of the mission. As is well known, balancing is a critical process for rotating machinery, aimed at eliminating asymmetry deviations caused by machining imperfections and accumulated tolerances during assembly. In satellite applications, the reaction wheel’s ability to generate the desired angular momentum at specified speeds can be compromised by rotor imbalance, leading to unwanted disturbances affecting the satellite’s stability and control precision. Following standard balancing principles and industry guidelines, this work presents the design and development of a reaction wheel balancing platform, covering its hardware, firmware, and software parts. Additionally, the paper describes the post-processing test methodology, ensuring accurate validation of the reaction wheel’s balance and performance before integration into the nanosatellite system.