Mechanisms for space applications

M. Meftah; A. Irbah; R. Le Letty; M. Barré; S. Pasquarella; M. Bokaie; A. Bataille; G. Poiet

doi:10.1117/12.917580

24 May 2012 Mechanisms for space applications

M. Meftah, A. Irbah, R. Le Letty, M. Barré, S. Pasquarella, M. Bokaie, A. Bataille, G. Poiet

Proceedings Volume 8385, Sensors and Systems for Space Applications V; 838510 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.917580
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

All space instruments contain mechanisms or moving mechanical assemblies that must move (sliding, rolling, rotating, or spinning) and their successful operation is usually mission-critical. Generally, mechanisms are not redundant and therefore represent potential single point failure modes. Several space missions have suffered anomalies or failures due to problems in applying space mechanisms technology. Mechanisms require a specific qualification through a dedicated test campaign. This paper covers the design, development, testing, production, and in-flight experience of the PICARD/SODISM mechanisms. PICARD is a space mission dedicated to the study of the Sun. The PICARD Satellite was successfully launched, on June 15, 2010 on a DNEPR launcher from Dombarovskiy Cosmodrome, near Yasny (Russia). SODISM (SOlar Diameter Imager and Surface Mapper) is a 11 cm Ritchey-Chretien imaging telescope, taking solar images at five wavelengths. SODISM uses several mechanisms (a system to unlock the door at the entrance of the instrument, a system to open/closed the door using a stepper motor, two filters wheels using a stepper motor, and a mechanical shutter). For the fine pointing, SODISM uses three piezoelectric devices acting on the primary mirror of the telescope. The success of the mission depends on the robustness of the mechanisms used and their life.

Citation Download Citation

M. Meftah, A. Irbah, R. Le Letty, M. Barré, S. Pasquarella, M. Bokaie, A. Bataille, and G. Poiet "Mechanisms for space applications", Proc. SPIE 8385, Sensors and Systems for Space Applications V, 838510 (24 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.917580

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available