Three-axis stabilisation
Encyclopedia
Three-axis stabilisation involves the use of three gyroscope
s—one for each axis (x,y,z)—to keep satellite
s correctly oriented in space.
The same technology is used to 'steer' guided missiles, but it involves only 2 gyroscopes.
Gyroscope
A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principles of angular momentum. In essence, a mechanical gyroscope is a spinning wheel or disk whose axle is free to take any orientation...
s—one for each axis (x,y,z)—to keep satellite
Satellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
s correctly oriented in space.
The same technology is used to 'steer' guided missiles, but it involves only 2 gyroscopes.