According to market research by McKinsey, the space market is estimated to more than double to $1 trillion by 2030 attributed in large part to the rapidly decreasing cost and frequency increase in launches, as well with the rising demand for high speed communications for both military and civilian needs.
The single largest driver in the rapid expansion of the space market can be attributed to the emergence of private spaceflight efforts from corporate entities known as NewSpace. With the expansion of spaceflight and the related demand for applications tied to orbiting the Earth has come a significant increase in the need for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.
Satellite constellations refer to a group of networked satellites working together for a common application, such as defense or telecommunications. The ability to bring broadband connectivity to anywhere on Earth has been the mission of several internet constellations including SpaceX’s Starlink, and Airbus’s OneWeb programs.
Multi-axial gimbals, like those used in Coarse and Fine Pointing Assembly systems can leverage the benefits of high performance cogless Ring Motors. These motors are used to directly drive movement and maintain position to enable high bandwidth communication to wirelessly network these satellites. Frameless motor kits offer the ability to integrate the actuation function as part of optimized systems, offering Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) savings, which are highly desirable in spacecraft applications.
ThinGap’s LS Series of slotless motor kits is an industry leader for gimbal applications requiring high performance and efficiency, decisive move-and-hold positioning, and smooth motion for long-range target lock. LS motors have been widely used in OCT systems and even NASA’s PACE Mission’s optical scanner payload.
Using its proprietary design, thin wire-wrapped stators, and optimized permanent-magnet rotors, ThinGap provides motors with specifications that can match the torque output of slotted motors while avoiding the cogging that plagues them. ThinGap’s LS line of slotless motor kits range in size from 25 to 267 mm diameter and torque from 0.1 to 12 N-m continuous. With standard and modified configurations, the product line will cover voltages from 24-400 volts and current from 1 to 100 amps.