Correlated Electromagnetic Levitation Actuator (CELA) )

The current state-of-the-art for reaction wheels uses bearings and lubricants to reduce friction between the housing and a flywheel. The flywheel motor is able to provide attitude control by changing its rotation speed. Reaction wheels largest failure point is the ball bearings that fail when the lubrication degrades and the high heat from the fast spin rate, causes them to fail. Control Moment Gyros (CMGs) have a constant spin rate and use gimbals to change the axis of rotation and in turn point larger space craft. CMGs deal with discontinuities in the equations and gimbal lock. CELA is a Correlated Electromagnetic Levitation Actuator, or a frictionless, direct-drive reaction wheel that harnesses a unique technology with a vast array of applications across multiple disciplines. CELA replaces the mechanical bearing with electromagnetically coupled surfaces, using an array of miniature electromagnets that interacts with a permanent correlated magnetic surface to create levitation and rotation behavior to replace the need for ball bearings, or any mechanical systems like those used on traditional reaction wheels. The CIF is necessary to answer fundamental questions about the complex control scheme and advanced manufacturing techniques required, which will prepare us to develop the end goal device, after the CIF FY20 has concluded. The final device will be a Reaction Sphere – a central spherical mass with magnetic dipoles printed on the surface that interacts with a surrounding electromagnetic hollow sphere – that will not only remove the need for ball bearings and mechanical systems, but the need for three reaction wheels to control the three spacecraft axes. Instead, the Reaction Sphere will be free to move in any direction, and hence control any axis needed to point the spacecraft. Currently there is no Attitude Control Mechanism on the market that is free to move in any direction or removes the need for any mechanical components.