Sentinel-1 Radar Modes - Copyright ESA

A large and powerful avionics actuators range

Airbus offers a range of Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs) tailored for diverse satellite needs, ensuring precise agility and high reliability. The CMG 15-45S, 40-60S, and 75-75S are compact and efficient, covering satellite masses from 500 kg to 3 tonnes, with torque outputs up to 75Nm.

Equipped with patented designs and integrated vibration dampers, they deliver fast manoeuvres while minimising power consumption.

Collectively, these CMGs have surpassed 1 million cumulative operational hours in orbit without failures, confirming their long-term durability and mission success for over a decade.

Our research department is continuously working to improve our CMGs, on aspects ranging from optimizing equipment mass to torque performance, resulting in greater agility.

Control momentum gyroscope solution

CMG HP

Compact, high-performance designed for agile, large satellites up to 3 tonnes.
The CMG 75-75S (75Nms, 75Nm) delivers 75Nm torque, integrates advanced vibration dampers, and features a patented compact design for efficient satellite operations.

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CMG 75-75S

CMG 40-60S

Control moment gyroscope designed for 1-2 tonne satellites.
It delivers 60Nm torque for precise manoeuvring, features integrated micro-vibration dampers and ensures 10 years of reliable performance in low Earth orbit, enhancing spacecraft agility and accuracy.

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CMG 40-60S

CMG 15-45

Optimised for agile satellites weighing up to 1 tonne.
With 45Nm torque and 15Nms momentum, it delivers 3°/s agility in under 2 seconds, ensuring unmatched reliability for satellites with 10+ years of LEO mission life and a 22 bits angular resolution.

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CMG 15-45
Control momentum gyro

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Control momentum gyro

Newton CMG package

Scalable performance for versatile missions

Singularity-free operation, enhancing agility and precision.
The Newton CMG Package delivers torque capacities from 15 to 75 Nm and momentum storage up to 75 Nms, catering to satellites from 500 kg to over 2 tonnes.

Newton CMG PACKAGE

Proven integration and longevity

Optimised for agile Earth observation and high-performance satellite missions.
Equipped with integrated control electronics, the package simplifies satellite system design, providing over 10 years of on-orbit reliability.

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ERS-1 European Remote-Sensing Satellite

Detumbler

These systems are designed to dampen these unwanted rotational movements, allowing the spacecraft to achieve a stable attitude. This is crucial for the proper functioning of the spacecraft’s systems, including communication, power generation (e.g., solar panel orientation), and scientific instruments.

Accommodating a Detumbler on all LEO missions is a key enabler for affordable and timely ADR in the future:
• Chaser vehicle can be smaller
• Proximity operations are safer
• Grabbing system can be simpler
• Post capture transient is much smoother

 

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Learn more about our avionics portfolio