In this study a survey is given of laimched satellites, paying special attention to mission objectives and attitude control systems. This picture is extrapolated into the near future to analyse the control requirements that are to be expected for future satellite missions. Possible attitude control systems for satellites are also surveyed and are compared with respect to their abilities to meet the expected requirements. It appears that double gimballed momentum wheels are the most promising solution especially for earth-pointing satellites, with high accuracy and long mission life. Preparations are made for further study of double gimballed momentum wheels. These preparations comprise a selection of representative satellite missions, an estimation of the disturbance toroues, etc.