Project Title:

Advanced Actuators For The Control Of Large Space Structures

09.01-0540
Project Title:Advanced Actuators For The Control Of Large Space Structures
Company:SatCon Technology Corporation
Cambridge, MA 02142
Principal Investigator:Johnson, Bruce G.

Abstract:

New spacecraft designs feature large structures characterized by low natural frequencies,
lightly damped structural modes, and stringent pointing and vibration performance
requirements.  These large space structures (LSS) pose unique and difficult control
problems.  An important part of the solutions to these control problems is the development
of actuators that allow the application of force and or torque to the space structure.

This proposed research program will examine advanced six-degree-of-freedom actuators
employing magnetic suspensions.  These actuators will consist of a magnetically suspended
reaction mass that has three-degrees-of-freedom in both translation and rotation.
 These actuators will employ a unique large-angle-magnetic suspension that allows
gimballing of the suspended reaction mass.  These advanced actuators are expected
to have a number of advantages over convetional actuators including low noise, high
bandwidth, and relaxed constraints on actuator placement.  The proposed research
program will develop these actuators and asses their performance compared to conventional
actuators.