Here is a simpler explanation:
A spinning object develops "rigidity in space". If it were at rest all
of its energy would by "potential". When it is spun, some of its energy
is "kinetic".
A spinning top has a separate momentum from the earth. An early proof
that the earth turns was made by running a gyroscope for a day. Because
of rigidity in space, the gyroscope appeared to turn once around. We
know actually that it was the planet that turned and not the gyroscope.
You could make a clock from one but at $30,000 I wouldn't recomend it.
If you spun your launch vehicle at a high enough rpm, the energy
required to lift it would be considerably reduced.
(I'll bet that if you spun it hard enough it would it would just sit
there while the planet raced away from it. Anybody here an expert on
material science?)
While you are considering your control system, remember that the wheel
deflects 90' away in the direction of turning.
Grant:?>