Space
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Rosetta Midas Stage Atila space applications
19 June 2023
The ROSETTA/MIDAS space mission intends to analyze the dust resulting from the Wirtanen comet using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). To scan the dust, an extremely fine mechanism able to produce displacementâs accuracy in the sub-micrometer range with a limited mass, is required. The only technology which can meet this specification is the piezoelectric
actuator associated to capacitive displacement sensors, which displays several advantages : solid state design, which means no friction, noise limited by the driving electronic, …
Experimental assessment of an active flap device
5 January 2002
During the past thirty years, noticeable consideration has been devoted to the improvement of rotary-wing vehicles, with respect to noise, vibrations and performance. The main rotor of helicopters, and more precisely the blades themselves have been the subject of numerous optimization studies.
Rosetta Midas successful launching
19 June 2023
Successful commissioning of the first flight application for C. T. in ESA / ROSETTA mission. The ROSETTA satellite has been successfully launched the 2nd of March 2004 from Kourou, French Guyana, using an Ariane-5 G+ launcher. The rendezvous with the new targeted comet âChuryumov – Gerasimenkoâ is expected in November 2014.
Rotating piezo actuator for high accuracy positioning in space applications
7 January 2002
Piezo-electric motors have been successfully developed for various applications like autofocus drives in camera lenses and handling equipment for semiconductor production. Their high speed and accurate positioning capability, combined with a favourable holding torque in unpowered condition, make piezo motors also very attractive for actuation purposes in spacecraft mechanisms. However, so far only a few studies have been reported considering their suitability for actual use in space.
Zero Boil Off Compressor Based on MICA Actuators
19 June 2023
A reed valve compressor technology for future science spacecraft application, is being developed by CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES
(CTEC), based on the very compact and high-power MICA300CM actuator (Moving Iron Controllable
Actuator). The present publication details the compressor breadboard design and test results, manufactured in the frame
of an ESA Technological Research Program (TRP), for the testing of a Zero Boil Off Hydrogen storage demonstrator.
The test results presented have been realized at compressor level with Helium gas at CTEC facilities, and the full 20K
Hydrogen storage demonstrator is soon to be tested.
A bistable piezoelectric harvester for wideband mechanical frequency excitation
19 June 2023
The developments of autonomous systems such as for self health monitoring, embedded systems are increasingly used in industrial applications. The energy supply is a key point for the development of such systems. Solutions based on battery have limited life time and the power supplies through wires arenât always appropriate and easy to install. Furthermore, the battery recycling is complex and an expensive process. The researches on power supply through harvesting systems are increasing in the same way the autonomous systems.
