APPMAX3 Deployable Thruster Pointing Mechanism
RUAG Space
Modular deployable 3-axis thruster gimbal driven by three stepper-motor actuators, with micrometeorite-shielded piping and zero-G device.
Technical specifications
- 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
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
- Beyond Gravity_Productsheet_APPMAX_pointing mechanism_family.pdf PDF source: www.beyondgravity.com ↗
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