The RW40 is COMAT's flagship nanosatellite reaction wheel, a compact plug-and-play attitude control component qualified for 8 years of in-orbit operation and flight-proven on the Kinéis IoT constellation.
RW40
The RW40 is COMAT's flagship nanosatellite reaction wheel, a compact plug-and-play attitude control component qualified for 8 years of in-orbit operation and flight-proven on the Kinéis IoT constellation.
Description
The RW40 is a compact reaction wheel developed by COMAT, a Toulouse-based Hemeria subsidiary specializing in complex space mechanisms. Designed for detumbling, attitude control, and torque or angular rate control of nanosatellites and small satellites, the RW40 delivers 40 mN.m.s of angular momentum storage with a 4 mN.m mean torque output. It features embedded electronics, stainless steel bearings, radiation-tolerant design, and a plug-and-play interface for straightforward integration into compact spacecraft platforms. COMAT positions the RW40 as the only nanosat reaction wheel qualified according to European Cooperation for Space Standardization requirements for 8 years of continuous space operation. Its target market spans Earth observation, science missions, and telecommunications/IoT constellations built on small satellite platforms. The RW40 has strong flight heritage: more than 100 units have been delivered and equipped on the Kinéis satellite constellation, with in-orbit performance validated across the deployed fleet.
Specifications
| Angular momentum storage | 40 mN.m.s |
|---|---|
| Mean torque | 4 mN.m |
| Dry mass | 0.23 kg |
| Diameter | 67 mm |
| Average power consumption | 0.9 W |
| Data interface | RS485 (full duplex) |
| Operating temperature | -30°C to +50°C |
| Qualified lifetime | 8 years |
| Qualification standard | ECSS |
| Flight heritage | 100+ units on the Kinéis satellite constellation |