DS-SEP23-PG46_Layout 1 08/09/2023 14:45 Page 1
INDUSTRY FOCUS MILITARY, AEROSPACE & DEFENCE
DRIVING RESEARCH INTO SPACE TRAVEL
With private companies offering space travel opportunities to commercial passengers, accessible space travel could be closer than we think. But
before we can visit space freely, we must understand how it affects our bodies and what we can do to mitigate it. Dave Walsha, sales manager
at DC motor supplier EMS, explores the miniaturised laboratories studying the effects of space, and the micromotors that power them
B
efore the public can be permitted to travel outside of the Earth’s atmosphere, wemust know how safe it is for themto do so. The effects of space travel on humans have been long researched, but
there is still somuch we don’t know, especially with regards to long-term periods spent in space. Cosmic radiation and the lack of gravity are known to affect our bone structure and cardiovascular system, and can lead to lasting problems with balance and eyesight; while radiation sickness and increased cancer risk are further threats to health. To better understand the extent of these effects and how they can be remedied, further studies are required.
MINIATURE LABORATORIES To study the biological effects of space on human tissue, it’s preferable to conduct experiments without placing individuals at risk. One of the ways we can do this is by studying organisms that are genetically similar. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) are a type of nematode or
roundwormwith genetics up to 80%similar to ours, so they are commonly studied on Earth to look atmuscle physiology and radiotherapy. But because they respond to space conditions in a similar way to us, it also makes C. elegans an ideal specimen for space research. With each nematode just 1mmlong, it’s possible to send hundreds of themto space. To allow for the remote study of the C. elegans, the nematodes are kept
inside aminiaturised laboratory device. A rotating disk containsmultiple chambers inside which the nematodes are kept. Small inlet and outlet openings are used to feed and water the nematodes, as well as keep their compartments clean. The nematodes can also be administered with pharmaceuticals, to observe how effectivemedicines are when in space. As the disk rotates, the individual chambers aremoved underneath a
microscope for careful examination. Images and observations are collected by an on-board computer and later sent back to Earth for analysis. It’s possible to miniaturise and integrate other laboratory instruments within the device for more in-depth analysis beyond morphological features, such as chemical composition. These miniature laboratory devices can be launched on their own within a miniature satellite, or within space stations like the ISS.
DELIVERING MOTION Without any humans to operate the device, all movement within it is carried out by small DC electric motors. This includes the precise turning of the chamber disk to ensure that each compartment lines up perfectly with the analytical instruments, as well as the precision pumps used to feed the nematodes. For such an application, careful choice of micromotor is essential.
4 DESIGN SOLUTIONS SEPTEMBER 2023 6
They must be lightweight and compact due to the extremely tight installation space; and they need to be reliable as any faults or problems with the drive system will be exceptionally difficult to correct in space, particularly if the device is being launched within a minisatellite. Even the failure of a single motor could be detrimental to the experiment. It is therefore essential to choose an experienced micromotor supplier
that can provide motors that consistently and reliably perform to the highest standard. Opting for a supplier that can customise solutions is also beneficial, particularly for applications in aerospace that have extremely high and specific demands. By implementing the latest in micromotor technology, we’re able to conduct more experiments in space than ever before. While commercial space travel isn’t quite ready for mass rollout yet, it might not be as far away into the future as once thought.
EMS T: 0118 981 7391
www.ems-limited.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126
