SPACE INDUSTRY

[ Spacecrafts ]   [ Launchers ]   [ Thrusters ]

Spacecrafts

A spacecraft can only be accurately controlled if the calculations which describe its motion incorporate mass properties quantities which agree with the true physical properties of the spacecraft. Mass, center of gravity location, moment of inertia, and product of inertia of the spacecraft need to be accurately measured.

Space Electronics manufactures the only instruments in the world that can measure all mass properties in one setup. These combined instruments reduce handling of the spacecraft and the risks associated with it.

Two types of instruments answer the particular needs of the space industry:

   • Our KSR instruments measure center of gravity and moment of inertia.

   • Our POI instruments measure center of gravity, moment of inertia, product of inertia and dynamic unbalance.

All of these instruments are intrinsically compatible with cleanroom requirements. They do not incorporate any hydraulic circuitry that could damage flight hardware.

Our instruments are used throughout the world to measure satellites. Some of our customers include NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (USA), Alcatel Alenia Space (Italy), JAXA (Japan), NSPO (Taiwan), etc.

Satellite mounted vertically on a KSR17000 at Space Systems Loral. This machine measures center of gravity and moment of inertia of payloads up to 17,000 lb (7,700 kg). The interface for vertical measurements is a simple extender tube that bolts to the spacecraft on one side and to the KSR interface plate on the other.

Same satellite in horizontal position on the same KSR instrument. Mounting the satellite in horizontal position is necessary to measure the center of gravity height, as well as two moments of inertia. This requires the use of an L shaped fixture. The L fixture on the picture was manufactured by Space Electronics. It features an automatic counterweight system and motorized rotation of the spacecraft.

Satellite on a KSR instrument at JAXA (Japan) Most mass properties instruments dedicated to heavy spacecrafts are installed in a pit. This gives more practicality of use, as loading the interface plate and the spacecraft onto the instrument is done at ground level. The control system is installed in a separate room, behind glass panels.

Launchers

Space Electronics offers center of gravity measurement instruments for launch vehicles. The instruments are customized to accomodate heavy payloads with a large diameter.

Thrusters

Space Electronics manufactures hemispherical and spherical gas bearing stands to simulate frictionless rotation. These systems allow to test thrusters and attitude control systems.