Satellite spin axis stabilization using a single degree of freedom transverse momentum storage device

Methods and systems for stabilizing satellite spin about an intermediate inertia axis (Z) are disclosed. A set of gyros (22) sense the X component and the Y component of the angular velocity of the satellite body. A single degree of freedom momentum wheel (26) has a fixed transverse orientation with respect to the intermediate axis in order to store momentum. In one embodiment, the momentum wheel (26) is oriented to store momentum parallel to the Y axis. A tachometer (30) senses the rotation rate of the momentum wheel (26). A processor (24) forms a control signal representative of a control torque to be applied to the momentum wheel (26). The control torque is based upon the X component and the Y component of angular velocity of the satellite (20), and the angular velocity of the momentum wheel (26). These methods and systems may also be used to invert the spin direction of spinning satellites (20), ensure tumble recover to a preferred orientation, and stabilize the body spin axis against mutation, dynamic imbalance and external torques.