Aerospace is a symbol for leading-edge technology. With satellite applications in particular, reliability, durability and efficiency are pivotal to the success – or failure – of entire missions. Whether for communication, navigation, Earth observation, weather forecasting or scientific research – satellites perform a whole host of key tasks. And this is exactly where drive systems from FAULHABER come into play.
The space age began in 1957 with the launch of Sputnik 1. Since then, aerospace has developed rapidly: The first moon landing in 1969, the global navigation system GPS from 2000, unmanned research missions to Mars, the Sun and beyond – they all demonstrate the great extent to which satellites have become the backbone of today's technological infrastructure. There are currently more than 13,000 satellites orbiting the Earth – and this number is set to increase in the future.
Space has its own set of laws: Powerful vibrations and enormous acceleration forces occur when a rocket is launched, and vacuum, extreme changes in temperature as well as intense radiation and outgassing prevail in orbit. At the same time, every gram counts – because the weight of the payload has a direct effect on cost and fuel consumption. FAULHABER offers tailor-made drive solutions for precisely these requirements. The compact motors and complete systems are characterized by a high power density, minimum installation space and extreme robustness – the ideal prerequisites for deployment in space.
Whether brushed or brushless DC-motors, stepper motors or linear drives – FAULHABER drives deliver high torque with minimum weight. In combination with encoders, sensors or gearheads, they form highly functional systems that enable maximum precision even under constrained installation conditions. One outstanding example is the stepper motor AM3248. The multi-pole, two-phase motor with its 48 steps per revolution and a static torque of 85 mNm achieves impressive performance figures. It is therefore ideal for demanding applications such as the alignment of solar panels on satellites. Here, the FAULHABER motors ensure that the panels stay aligned with the Sun at all times – reliably, precisely and with high temperature stability over many years.
Modern satellites use a wide variety of different drive systems, which vary depending on the task and mission objective. Whereas large thrusters are responsible primarily for orbit corrections and major positional changes, high-precision miniature motors and micromotors carry out numerous secondary, but essential functions. Despite their small size, these drives are indispensable for reliable operation of a satellite.
Microdrives are used e.g. for aligning solar panels to ensure optimum solar energy generation. They are additionally responsible for adjusting and precisely positioning antennas, which enables stable communication with ground stations. Also, optical instruments such as cameras, telescopes or sensors are precisely aligned using these tiny motors. Furthermore, they control release and folding mechanisms on extendable structures and perform position control tasks, e.g. by means of reaction wheels or gyro systems.
Outgassing is the release of gas from materials in the vacuum of space. Materials – e.g. plastics, adhesives or coatings – emit volatile constituents such as solvents or moisture. This phenomenon can impair sensitive satellite components such as sensors, optics or electronic parts. Particularly in confined installation spaces and under vacuum conditions, it is crucial to use outgassing-optimized materials. Components that are developed for use in space – e.g. drive systems – must therefore be qualified according to strict standards.
Satellites can be divided into different categories according to their purpose, size and orbit. The most important types are:
Design and equipment vary depending on the mission – with tailor-made drive systems, sensors and energy sources, often integrated in extremely confined spaces.
In space, satellites are exposed to extreme ambient conditions, for example:
For this reason, all components must be extremely robust, durable and resistant to radiation – this includes the general structure, the electronics as well as the miniature drives.
Solar panels are an energy source for satellites. They use solar cells to convert sunlight into electrical energy. This provides power to all on-board systems – e.g. communication modules, control systems, sensors and drives. Excess energy is stored in batteries in order to maintain operation when the satellite is in the Earth's shadow.
Modern satellites use extendable, orientable solar panels which collect as much sunlight as possible. Precise solar panel tracking is often performed by means of miniaturized drive systems that must operate reliably in the vacuum of space.
Modern satellites use a wide variety of different drive systems – from large thrusters for orbit corrections to high-precision miniature motors and micromotors which are responsible for carrying out secondary, but equally critical tasks.
Microdrives perform the following functions, for example:
As these components are often just a few centimeters in size, drive solutions not only need to be extremely compact, but must also have minimal vibration, be energy efficient and durable. In addition, they must function reliably under conditions such as the vacuum of space, extreme temperatures and cosmic radiation.
