MOTORS, DRIVES & CONTROLS
detecting illegal activities such as unauthorised deforestation or mining. Satellites provide critical insight
and uncover hidden details about the impacts of climate change. However, this technology still requires improvement, especially regarding its motors.
SURVIVING SPACE Motors are integral to satellite functionality, as they are responsible for precise positioning and orientation, deploying solar panels and antennas, and stabilising cameras for imaging and sensor readings. Upon launch, a satellite reaches
speeds of at least 17,000 miles per hour. Once in orbit, the satellite must continuously adjust its velocity to counteract the Earth’s gravitational pull. Throughout this journey, the satellite’s motors must withstand extreme vibration, temperature fluctuations ranging from -150°C to 150°C, and cosmic radiation. Motors are also often stored in harsh conditions for long durations, placing additional stress on the components. These challenging conditions
place significant demands on motor reliability and longevity. A fault – thermal overload, loss of position accuracy or torque control failure – could compromise functionality, potentially leading to mission failure. To avoid this, manufacturers must choose a motor that can operate efficiently, as well as endure space.
A STEP UP Stepper motors are uniquely designed to offer precise control and durability, making them ideal for environmental monitoring satellites, which are reliant on incremental adjustments for orientating sensors, stabilising cameras and aligning antennas. Unlike conventional motors with
continuous rotation, stepper motors move in discrete steps, allowing for highly accurate positioning. Their incremental or stepped movement is achieved through controlled electromagnetic pulses, each activating specific stator windings surrounding the motor’s toothed rotor. This creates a magnetic field that aligns the rotor’s teeth step by step. In addition, a stepper motor’s design includes multiple stator
Unlike conventional motors with continuous rotation, stepper motors move in
discrete steps, allowing for highly accurate positioning
Faulhaber’s stepper motors feature a compact and lightweight design
windings, absence of brushes and commutators and high magnetic field strength, which enables them to provide high torque at low speeds, ensuring stable and accurate operation even if exposed to extreme temperatures and other harsh environmental conditions. This resilience ensures a long operational life, making stepper motors a reliable choice for satellites tasked with critical climate monitoring missions. Faulhaber’s stepper motors, supplied
by drive system supplier Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS), feature a compact and lightweight design with diameters ranging from 6-66mm and weights of between 1-125g. Despite their small size, these motors deliver powerful performance and high acceleration speeds. Their lightweight
construction enhances fuel efficiency, an essential factor in satellite launches, where every kilogram of mass incurs significant fuel costs. The urgency for ambitious and
innovative solutions to combat climate change has never been more apparent. At COP29, the possibility of environmental monitoring satellites transforming the approach to the climate crisis gained further actionable momentum. However, for this technology to reach its full potential and be swiftly adopted, it must be supported by reliable, high- performance components.
Dave Walsha is at EMS:
www.ems-limited.co.uk
www.engineerlive.com 43
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