This paper describes the design of a semi-passive magnetic bearing system (patent pending) incorporated into an existing 80,000 rpm energy storage flywheel/mechanical battery. This combination has unlimited life in space and is self caging during the unpowered launch environment. The combined mechanical battery capacity (2 Kwatt-hours) includes two wheels, having dimensions shown in Figure 1, spinning in opposite directions, weighing <80 lbs. Smaller energy storage capacity can be achieved by mechanically scaling the dimensions of the wheel, thereby reducing weight proportionally.
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