Control Moment Gyroscope
    Experiments conducted in space must be accomplished under stable conditions.
    In America's first space station, Skylab, the experiments involved
    viewing three basic targets:  the Sun, the Earth, and celestial space.
    Instruments for these experiments were located at places providing proper
    viewing directions with a minimum of maneuvering.  Active and continuous
    control of Skylab attitude (direction) assured that instruments were pointed in
    the desired directions while they were in operation.
    
    
    
    Changes in Skylab attitude were accomplished by the control moment gyro system
    (CMG) or the nitrogen thruster attitude control system (TACS).  The CMG control
    system, consisting of three large gyroscopes with mutually perpendicular axes,
    represents the chief method of Skylab control
    
    
    
    Each of the three CMGs in the Skylab control system weighs 400 pounds (181
    kilograms); consists of a rotor 22 inches (0.55 meters) in diameter, spinning
    at 9,000 RPM; and an inner and outer gimbal ring.  The control moment gyro
    system is currently used in the International Space Station.