HARDWARE / PRODUCTAdded 30 Jul 2026

APPMAX3 Deployable Thruster Pointing Mechanism

Beyond Gravity (ex-RUAG Space)
APPMAX3 Deployable Thruster Pointing Mechanism

Modular deployable 3-axis thruster gimbal driven by three stepper-motor actuators, with micrometeorite-shielded piping and zero-G device.

Typed specifications9 values

Discloses 2 of 10 fields engineers filter by in this category (category median 3).

Mass
28 kg
approx. · datasheet p.10 28 kg approx., depends on design  |  24 kg max · dual Thruster  |  12 kg max · single Thruster
Envelope (L×W×H)
up to 2 m boom length
datasheet p.10 up to 2 m boom length depends on design
Propulsion family
electric
pointing mechanism for electric propulsion thrusters (e.g. PP… · datasheet p.8
Thrusters in the unit
2
max · single or dual thruster, 1x or 2x 12 kg · datasheet p.9
Thrust vector control
gimballed
3-axis electric propulsion pointing mechanism, angular range … · datasheet p.9

Each value is typed with its unit and measurement condition and cites the datasheet page it was taken from. Nothing is guessed: a field that is absent here has not been published by the manufacturer. machine-extracted ✓ checked by NewSpace Market ✓ manufacturer confirmed by the manufacturer.

As published by the supplier16 lines, in the manufacturer's own wording
Actuation
Three stepper motor-based actuators
Configuration
Modular deployable thruster mechanism with robotic arm deployment
Protection
Micrometeorite shielding on piping; thermal and micrometeorite protection for actuators
Thermal control
Flow controller with radiators and/or MLI per thermal analysis
Mounting
Direct hard mounting baseline; elastomer dampers optional
Position reference
Redundant switches; zero-G device provided
Motion Range
up to 230°
Repeatability
+/- 0.1°
Thruster Mass
1x 12 kg (single Thruster)
Thruster Mass (2)
2x 12 kg (dual Thruster)
Mass
approx. 28 kg
Dimensions
up to 2 m boom length
Stiffness stowed
> 100 Hz
Stiffness stowed, with opt. Damping
> 80 Hz
Stepper Motor Phase Resistance at 20°C
90 Ω
HDRM I/F
8 A at 26 V ca. 200 ms

About

The APPMAX3 is a modular deployable thruster mechanism that offers a number of advantages over traditional designs. It is flexible, lightweight, and cost-effective, and it can be configured with a variety of thrusters and pointing ranges to meet the specific needs of different spacecraft missions.

The APPMAX3 uses three stepper motor-based actuators to move the satellite thruster module to its desired position, and it includes piping that is protected by micrometeorite shielding. The flow controller can be mounted close to the mobile plate and is equipped with radiators and/or MLI (multilayer insulation) according to thermal analysis.

The baseline foresees hard, direct mounting of the mechanism at the interface to the spacecraft. But elastomer dampers can be implemented depending on the thruster allowed random and shock loads. Redundant switches for position reference are implemented, and a zero-G device is provided. Thermal and micrometeorite protection is provided for the actuators and other components as necessary.

A third axis realized with a robotic arm deployment mechanism provides a larger pointing and deployment range, which can be useful for off-loading the momentum wheels needed for spacecraft stabilization.

Documentation

Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.

Source: www.beyondgravity.com ↗

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