Aerospace is a symbol for leading-edge technology. Extreme conditions, precise tasks and uncompromising quality requirements characterize the development of every single component. 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.
High Requirements – Fulfilled in Compact Form
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 and intense radiation 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.
Small, Robust, Spaceworthy
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.
Ready for New Horizons
Aerospace is developing at a rapid pace: Space tourism, global communications networks and microsatellite constellations are reality and no longer a vision of the future. In demand are components that are not only convincing from a technical viewpoint but are also scalable economically. With its decades of experience, high development capability and uncompromising demands on quality, FAULHABER provides the impetus for innovations – also for those beyond our atmosphere.
