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torsion sensor responsible for moni- toring the rover’s drilling arm and its robotic manoeuvers as it retrieves sediments for analysis. Additionally, a secondary FUTEK cryogenic load cell sits aboard to supervise the pre- cision and force used to drill directly into the Martian floor.
NASA’s Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV)
The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) is intended to be the NASA Space Shuttle replacement. With a prospective launch date in 2020, FUTEK joined this NASA ven- ture to develop safety-testing sensors for the shuttle’s parachute system. Like all shuttles returning to Earth’s surface, a parachute is needed to ease its entry speed. FUTEK designed custom dual-axis clevis pin load cells and load washer load cells for the re-entry and in-mission abort simulations. The preci- sion of these particular load cells was critical, as was their endurance.
NASA International Low Impact Docking System (iLIDS) Under the direction of NASA, FUTEK has been called to assist with the
implementation of an International Docking System Standard abroad the International Space Station. The pro- gram known as the International Low Impact Docking System (iLIDS) will require several quad-bridge tension and compression miniature load cells to detect, guide, and dock incoming space vehicles. These load cells must follow specific space and flight stan- dards, ensuring their conformity with various forms of spacecrafts.
NASA’s Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) The Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is one of five instruments NASA will use on the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environment Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP). VIIRS will be responsible for new advances in weather and environmen- tal monitoring. From the satellite, VIIRS will be able to take and present highly defined images of clouds, vege- tation, and sea surfaces. To ensure its affectivity, FUTEK developed two cryogenic load cells that monitor and secure loads on the cryo-radiator. One load cell will be applied to measure
loads solely in the intermediate stages, while the second monitors loads in the sub-zero temperature stages.
‘As an ISO9001-2008 accredited, AS9100 compliant,
ANSI-Z540 certified, and ISO 17025 A2LA approved design and manufacturing house, FUTEK possesses the capabilities needed to develop load cells, torque sensors, and multi-axial sensors for cryogenic and vacuum environments’
NASA’s Shear History Extension Rheology Experiment (SHERE) Alongside NASA and MIT, FUTEK participated in the jointed venture to help create the Shear History Extensional Rheology Experiment (SHERE). This program was designed to examine the stress and strain of polymer fluid in microgravity. FUTEK developed a 10 Kilo-Dyne load cell to measure these fluid viscosity forces upon the International Space Station. With these continuous applications presented by NASA, FUTEK has made a name for themselves in the aerospace industry. Their defined technologies that endure the harsh environments of zero-gravity, cryogenic temperatures, and miniature design have led them to become a valuable resource for space- craft test and measurement necessities. So while they await another venture from NASA, FUTEK also waits on the day they can truly say their sensors have made it to Mars and back.
Futek Advanced Sensor Technology
www.futek.com
measurement & sensors directory 2012-2013
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