Abstract
Reaction Wheel Assemblies (RWAs) are actuators commonly used for satellite attitude control. During their functioning RWAs produce undesired disturbances transmitted through satellite structure and can significantly affect the performance of vibration-sensitive payload. In this paper, microvibrations generated by a RWA in hard-mounted boundary condition are modelled and validated by RWA steady and transient speed test. The two test methods are compared and their differences on the results are discussed. The end-to-end disturbance modelling of a hard-mounted RWA is also accomplished, and a new method of determining higher harmonic responses with the consideration of structural modes and damping is developed. © The author(s) and/or their employer(s), 2012.