Control Moment Gyroscope

A Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) is a device used in spacecraft to control and change their orientation in space. It consists of a spinning rotor mounted on gimbals, allowing the rotor's axis to tilt. By changing the direction of the rotor's spin (gimbal angles), the spacecraft experiences a reaction force that can rotate or reorient it without using fuel. CMGs are highly efficient for precise and rapid attitude adjustments, making them essential in satellite and space station maneuvers. They leverage angular momentum principles, applying torque to change the spacecraft’s direction smoothly and accurately.