Description
Objective: The objective of this activity is to develop enabling technology of a new source of miniaturised motors for small steerable space antennas.
Targeted Improvements: Small volume (approximately 10-20 mm diameter x 50 mm length) and less than 200g mass
Description: Small space antennas having steerable/reconfigurable reflectors require mini motors, both for antenna deployment and for antenna pointing in orbit. The need for such motors is well known and has been identified in the IPC Electrical Motorsand Actuators Harmonisation Dossier. Existing motor products are available for use with large antennas but are not suited for smallantenna applications as they are over-specified, heavy, bulky and expensive.
Mini motors are available in Europe and Canada for usein terrestrial applications, but cannot be exploited for space use without significant modification to make them compatible with the space environment and space requirements. Hence in this activity enabling technology development shall be carried out according tocritical functions for mini motors for space applications which includes mass, volume, angular resolution, revolution speed and holding torque. The starting point shall be candidate European and Canadian terrestrial motors. A modular and scalable technical motor solution shall be developed and breadboarded.
An engineering model of a representative steering or deployment mechanism incorporating the developed mini-motor technology shall be designed, manufactured and experimentally verified to validate all critical functions.
Priority 2 activities will only be initiated on the explicit request of at least one delegation.
Tender Specifics