AEROSPACE
Aerospace tribology, the new frontier of lubrication
Tony Dotson, Aerospace Industry Manager, NYE LUBRICANTS, INC., A Member of the FUCHS Group
When it comes to grease and oil, the first thing many people think about is its application in the cars we drive and the machinery we operate every day. But what about the rockets we fly to the moon or the satellites providing us with internet connectivity? Lubricants are everywhere, including up in space.
Just 10 years ago, the space arena was dominated by government-funded missions. Today, the private sector makes up the largest portion of the space economy and plays a significant role in the exponential growth and innovation of space missions. The first half of 2022 saw almost 80 space launches1 worldwide and is expected to surpass the 146 launches recorded in 2021. By contrast, just 5 years ago, there were only 90 launches. There are not only more launches, but more satellites sent into orbit per launch as constellations of satellites are deployed. All this to say, the space industry is booming, and more spacecraft means more potential lubrication points.
Just like in a car, the components within spacecraft require lubricants to prevent wear and corrosion, increase load carrying capability, and control motion.
Bearings, gears, ball and lead screws, and electrical connections are just a few of the components within gyroscopes, optics, reaction wheels, solar array drives, and other space mechanisms that require lubrication.
However, compared to automotive or industrial lubrication, the operating conditions in which space lubricants must perform are much more demanding. The field of aerospace tribology is highly specialised as it must take into account the unique environmental conditions of space including exposure to ultra-high vacuum, extreme temperatures, and radiation. General purpose off-the-shelf lubricants are inadequate for the extreme conditions of outer space which could cause critical and expensive failures. Once launched, repairs or relubrication of space mechanisms are often impossible – or extremely expensive.
Temperature, lubricant life, load, outgassing and particle generation are all factors that must be considered when formulating space lubricants that ensure optimum component reliability once launched. Continued on page 10
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.172 DECEMBER 2022 9
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