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How does the ISS reaction control system look like ?


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Here's one of the control moment gyros,

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ISS_gyroscope.jpg#mediaviewer/File:ISS_gyroscope.jpg

The mass and torque output of this is actually comparable to what KSP calls a "reaction wheel", which in reality is a different and much less forceful bit of kit.

The ISS also uses gravity gradient torque, since it's quite a large structure.

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Just a bit of fun facts: the original design of Space Station Freedom had much of attitude and reboost handled by two thruster pods located on the main truss in addition to CMGs. After it became the ISS, they were no longer needed. They were located at P2 and S2 trusses, which to this day are absent from the station (goes right from P1 or S1 to 3).

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