Authors : A. N. Lawal; K. Anyanwu; O. B. Musa; A. I. Dauda; O. W. Oluyombo

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4ve4vnnp

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bp9byaf3

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May1458

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This paper presents the design and development of a low-cost rim-weighted reaction wheel demonstrator for CubeSat attitude control education. The system provides a practical platform for illustrating spacecraft rotational dynamics using a momentum-based design approach. The demonstrator integrates an Arduino microcontroller for realtime control, an MPU6050 inertial measurement unit for attitude sensing, a brushless DC (BLDC) motor for actuation, and a 3D-printed rim-weighted flywheel. The flywheel is dimensioned based on angular momentum requirements, with mass concentrated at the rim to maximize moment of inertia while maintaining low system cost and weight. A closed-loop control system employing proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control is implemented to regulate wheel speed and achieve stable attitude response from real-time sensor feedback. Experimental evaluation shows that the system achieves effective angular momentum exchange, disturbance rejection, and attitude stabilization. The rim-weighted configuration improves control performance compared to uniform-mass flywheel designs. The proposed demonstrator offers a scalable, affordable, and practical educational tool for teaching CubeSat attitude control principles and mechatronic system integration.

Keywords : Reaction Wheel, CubeSat, Rim-Weighted Flywheel, Attitude Control, Arduino, MPU6050, BLDC Motor, Mechatronics.

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