Honeywell Launches Next-Generation Reaction Wheel Assembly for Small Satellites

PHOENIX, Sept. 12, 2025 – Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced the expansion of its small satellite product portfolio by launching its second-generation Honeywell Commercial (HC) Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA). The second-generation HC-RWA supports spacecraft from 150 to 700 kilograms and offers high-performance products at an affordable price point.

Reaction wheels are crucial satellite components that enable precision control of satellite orientation, or attitude, while they are in orbit without requiring thrusters or other external torque. The use of RWAs significantly reduces required fuel, which is especially critical for large constellations of small satellites. They can also enable satellite stabilization for remote sensing technology applications, such as Earth observation (EO) satellites, or optical communications that could not perform to the highest standards without the steady operation of RWAs. 

“By leveraging the proven technology of our 2,500 small satellite Reaction Wheel Assemblies currently in flight, we are rapidly expanding our low-earth-orbit satellite offering, where cost and speed are key yet operators cannot compromise on performance,” said Lisa Napolitano, vice president and general manager of space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Our next-generation Honeywell Commercial RWA is significantly less expensive – as little as 25 to 50 percent of the cost of existing technologies – and can be delivered faster than its predecessor. It provides satellite manufacturers with a modern digital design geared toward high-volume production of high-performance products.”

Honeywell has built RWAs for satellites for over 60 years, with more than 100 million flight hours to date. The ITAR-free HC-RWA enables precision performance supported by advanced drive technology in a small and economical package, manufactured at several global locations.

About Honeywell

Products and services from Honeywell Aerospace Technologies are found on virtually every commercial, defense, and space aircraft and in many terrestrial systems. The Aerospace Technologies business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components, power systems, and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit aerospace.honeywell.com or follow Honeywell Aerospace Technologies on LinkedIn.

Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world’s toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter and safer, as well as more secure and sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.