Space
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Magnetically actuated fast steering mirrors
19 June 2023
Free-Space Optics (FSO) for optical communication request new compact low-power high-stroke high-bandwidth Fast
Steering Mirrors (FSM). To address this need, CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES has developed a Magnetically-actuated Fast
Steering Mirror called M-FSM, taking heritage of its MICA™ actuators. This FSM offers Rx Ry strokes larger than +/-
2° with a 250Hz bandwidth when tilting a 31mm diam mirror. Requested power is minimized leading to low heating.
Vibration tests have been performed to define first limits and conditions for the M-FSM to bear external vibrations. Large
bandwidth closed loop control is achieved using integrated eddy current sensor and a state feedback-based controller.
Design and evaluation of a piezo xy stage
19 June 2023
The ROSETTA/MIDAS mission of the Europeans Space Agency (ESA) intends to study the dust collected from the Wirtanen comet using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). This instrument utilzes an XY piezoelectric stage to achieve precise positioning in two in-plane orthogonal directions, and a Z actuator to support the needles for the analyses of dust particles in the out-of-plane direction.
From the Test Benches to the First Prototype of the muFly Micro Helicopter
19 June 2023
The goal of the European project muFly is to build a fully autonomous micro helicopter, which is comparable to a small bird in size and mass. The rigorous size and mass constraints infer various problems related to energy efficiency, flight stability and overall system design. In this research, aerodynamics and flight dynamics are investigated experimentally to gather information for the design of the helicopter’s propulsion group and steering system. Several test benches are designed and built for these investigations
Design and tests of a demonstrator for filet compensation mechanism
5 January 2016
Future matrix sensors will acquire an area on ground and are then susceptible to image shift due to satellite movement during acquisition. Design, Build and Test a breadboard mechanism that could shift telescope line of sight and freeze observed area during image acquisition.
FSPA and BSMA Nanometric positioning actuators for ground and space applications
19 June 2023
Many applications and more specifically space projects show need for a stable sub-micrometre positioning actuator. In order to meet this need, Cedrat Technologies has designed the new FSPA brand. This linear stepping actuator offers sub-micrometric positioning resolution along 5mm stroke combined with high actuation force (>100N) and the ability to hold its position without power.
The IASI-NG instrument is one of the key payload on-board METOP-SG which is a new meteorological satellite for Europe. The instrument is based on a Mertz interferometer and requires a very precise positioning of an optical blade used to separate the interferometer’s branches. A dedicated version of the FSPA, the Beam Splitter Mechanisms Actuator (BSMA) is then developed to achieve this nanometric positioning which is a key parameter for the overall instrument performance.
This paper firsts present the internals of both FSPA and BSMA actuators. Major design differences and their respective impact on the resulting performances are detailed. Results from the acceptance and qualification test campaigns are also presented.
Testing of amplified piezoelectric actuator in a combined vibration and acceleration
19 June 2023
Sandia National Laboratories has previously tested a capability to impose a 7.5 g-rms (30 g peak) radial vibration load up to 2 kHz on a 25 lb object with superimposed 50 g acceleration at its centrifuge facility. This was accomplished by attaching a 3,000 lb Unholtz-Dickie mechanical shaker at the end of the centrifuge arm to create a “Vibrafuge”. However, the combination of non-radial vibration directions, and linear accelerations higher than 50g’s are currently not possible because of the load capabilities of the shaker and the stresses on the internal shaker components due to the combined centrifuge acceleration.
