ESA Space Mechanisms

We are excited to share a video showcasing the deployment of the LP-PWI boom of Juice spacecraft. This boom houses the Langmuir probes, which are part of the Radio and Plasma Wave Investigation of the Juice mission. The LP-PWI boom is a two-segment, non-synchronized boom with no dampers, resulting in a very dynamic deployment. The sound was created using vibration signals measured in space by HAA (High Accuracy Accelerometer, which is part of 3GM Radio Science Experiment), matched with the ground testing video of the same deployment. This allows you to imagine sound of the spacecraft 'deploying its limbs' in space. 🛰️⚙️ For more information about this video and the mission, visit the X profile of ESA’s Juice: https://lnkd.in/eGyGnPmc #JuiceMission #SpaceExploration #ESA #SpaceTechnology

Let’s discuss how European Space Tribology Laboratory keeps spacecraft mechanisms moving and how this can help your project. 🛰️⚙️ 🚀 We should start by discussing tribology. Tribology – the study of friction, wear, and lubrication – is crucial both on Earth and in space. It combines physics, chemistry, fluid mechanics, material science, and metallurgy to minimize adhesion, friction, and wear, and is crucial to maximize the lifespan of mechanical systems. In space, the environment presents unique challenges like extremely low vacuum, extreme temperatures, and high levels of radiation. These factors, along with the inaccessibility for maintenance and the long lifetime of space missions, make "getting the tribology right" essential. The tribological solutions employed for terrestrial applications cannot readily be applied in space, and very specific and optimized space industry measures must be used. Given this, there is an enormous desire to demonstrate and verify tribological solutions for novel space applications, to ensure that the mechanisms flying on the next generation of spacecraft can meet their life requirements, however demanding they may be. Founded over 50 years ago, the European Space Tribology Laboratory (ESTL) is a centre of excellence operated by ESR Technology (UK) on behalf of ESA. ESTL supports ESA’s Member and Cooperating states with R&D, consultancy, and hardware thermal vacuum testing. Their support cover solid and fluid lubricants for flight hardware, backed by extensive in-house expertise. ESTL’s support is tailored to clients' needs, accessible to both new-space entities and established developers. Services range from minor consultancy, which can be free for entities from ESA Member States and Canada (details at https://lnkd.in/eTFauhe2), to complex mechanism and tribological consultancy, including lubricant or material selection, evaluation, and testing. ESTL has produced industry-standard handbooks and developed sophisticated modelling software for predicting ball bearing behavior. Their specialized test facilities, many of which are globally unique, include state-of-the-art vacuum tribometers and customizable thermal vacuum test chambers. These facilities allow for detailed lubricant performance assessment and component-level tests with full environmental control. ESTL’s team regularly supports spacecraft applications for lunar missions, telecoms, robotics, Earth Observation, and more. By providing expertise, tackling challenges, rigorously testing solutions, and driving innovation, ESTL ensures the smooth operation and longevity of European spacecraft, bolstering Europe's space industry competitiveness. We are very happy to have cooperated with ESTL for the last 50 years and developed so much knowledge in the field of Space Tribology with them. If you also want to be up to date with their work, make sure to follow their page: ESR Technology. #SpaceMechanisms #ESTL #ESA #Tribology #SpaceExploration

Last week, three of our team members participated in the "Hands-On Training" hosted by the European Space Tribology Laboratory (ESTL). 🧑🎓👨🔬 It was an invaluable experience working with the ESTL team and learning more about their processes, techniques, and advanced test facilities. Tribology is crucial for the reliability of space mechanisms, and the ESTL training provides a great opportunity to appreciate its importance. Advancements in tribology are vital for Europe's progress in space mechanisms technology. Thank you, ESTL, for an excellent training session. #ESA #ESTL #ESRTechnology #Training #Tribology

Reliable mechanisms are the backbone of lunar exploration. They not only ensure the smooth operation of essential subsystems, as seen in the case of the Lunar Thermal Shutter's thermal regulation, but also pave the way for the success of entire missions. In this project, multiple innovative solutions were applied to achieve the expected reliability. We look forward to seeing more mechanisms being developed for the use on the Moon. 🌑 #ESAmechanisms #LunarExploration #SpaceTechnology #Innovation #ESA

🚀 Exciting Insights into Clean Space and Space Mechanisms 🛰️ Our recent Space Mechanisms Workshop at ESA's ESTEC technical centre in the Netherlands shed light on cutting-edge research and developments aimed at space debris mitigation. One fascinating highlight was the demonstration of a reaction wheel undergoing rigorous testing. You can watch the captivating test clip here: https://lnkd.in/ehEa6nKX The reaction wheel, crucial for satellite orientation, was subjected to plasma wind tunnel conditions simulating reentry 🌠, showcasing advancements in Design for Demise (D4D) technology. With space regulations emphasizing the need for safer satellite disposal, efforts are underway to ensure mission disintegration upon reentry, minimizing ground impact risks. The workshop not only discussed D4D strategies but also unveiled plans for active debris removal, utilizing specialized spacecraft equipped with crucial capture systems. As the space industry evolves, collaboration among stakeholders becomes paramount. The workshop brought together over 130 specialists from European industry and academia, highlighting the collective commitment towards sustainable space exploration. #SpaceExploration #SpaceTechnology #OrbitalDebris #DesignForDemise #ESA #SpaceMechanismsWorkshop

🗓️ From 11th to 13th of March, we had the pleasure of hosting the annual Space Mechanisms Workshop (WS) and Final Presentation days (FPD) at ESTEC – more information still available here: https://lnkd.in/eGq2QqvR. Here's a quick rundown of the highlights from the event: 🌟 Attendance: We saw an impressive turnout with 130 participants. 🪐 Workshop Theme: Clean Space for Mechanisms - with the completion of four ESA R&D activities on design-for-demise of mechanisms, we delved into insightful presentations and discussions. 🔍 Interactive Sessions: Three interactive sessions allowed us to deeply explore concerns and needs from mechanisms suppliers and integrators regarding space debris mitigation, yielding crucial conclusions for future endeavors. 🎉 Final Presentation Days: The FPD featured 17 presentations highlighting the latest ESA-funded space mechanisms R&Ds, covering diverse topics from new lubricant development to triboelectric energy harvesting for Mars exploration. 👏 Success & Feedback: We're thrilled to report that the event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our esteemed participants. Feel free to also leave us comments here on LinkedIn! 📢 Next Steps: Stay tuned as all presentations and conclusions from both the WS and FPD will be disseminated next week by ATPI to all event participants. ❔ What topics would you like to see covered in the future workshops organised by our team? Let us know in the comments. Let's keep pushing the boundaries of space exploration together! 🛰️💫 #SpaceMechanisms

Dear all, I am happy to announce here that we are about to recruit 2 more contractors in the "ESA mechanisms team" located in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. I will post the link here as soon as I have it. In the mean time, please feel free to contact me directly ! https://lnkd.in/eQ7Ec3P5

🚀 We are thrilled to share with you a sneak peek into the upcoming Space Mechanisms Workshop on Clean Space, hosted by the Mechanisms Section of ESA next week. This workshop will provide an opportunity for both you and us to discuss and explore advancements in space mechanisms with a focus on sustainability and clean space initiatives. 🍃 🛰️ 🌍 🌟 As a preview of what's to come, we're excited to share this captivating video produced in line of activity 'Spacecraft Demise During Re-entry Expedited Using Various Exothermic Reactions (SPADEXO)' 🧨. This work was led by prime contractor Hyperschall Technologie Göttingen GmbH and aimed to revolutionize spacecraft demise by leveraging energetic materials to aid in demise. 🔥 The video showcases the impact of thermite ignition on the demise behaviour of a dummy ball bearing unit in the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt plasma wind tunnel. It's a compelling example of innovative technology that could significantly contribute to ensuring the sustainability of space exploration. More details and examples of work done in the area of clean space for mechanisms to follow next week during the workshop. We are looking forward to engaging with you in interesting discussions! #ESA #SpaceMechanisms #CleanSpace #Innovation #Sustainability

Did you know that our team regularly hosts interns and Young Graduate Trainees (YGTs)? 👩🏻🎓 👨🏾🎓 They are working with us on multiple interesting projects 🛰️ 📡 🚀, and we are helping them to progress in their careers. We are looking for a YGT right now: https://lnkd.in/etAD4ayR Applications welcome until the 7th of March. If you: ☑️ just graduated (or are about to), ☑️ love mechanisms, ☑️ are passionate about space, ☑️ are not afraid of learning new things ➡️ then this might be a perfect opportunity for you. We are also just saying goodbye to our latest intern Alessandro who worked on stiffness adjustment in compliant hinges with the addition of negative stiffness elements. We wish him all the best in his career and hope to see him again soon. And Alessandro says “My experience at ESA has been incredible on both a technical and personal level. Working with and learning from the Mechanism Team has been a pleasure, I could not have asked for a better experience!” Isn’t that enough of an encouragement to join our team 😊?

From 11th to 13th of March 2024, we will be hosting our annual ESA Space Mechanisms workshop followed by the Final Presentation Days at ESTEC. Would you like to join us? The theme of this year’s ESA Space Mechanisms workshop will be Clean Space! It will feature: ✔️Presentations by large system integrators about their Clean Space roadmaps ✔️A tutorial on design and verification for demise ✔️Presentations of the latest ESA R&D regarding demisable mechanisms ✔️The newspace view (active debris removal, in orbit servicing) ✔️Interactive discussion about impacts on mechanisms requirements and design ✔️ESA funding streams for activities in this domain The Final Presentation Days will give the floor to numerous companies to present their latest ESA funded mechanisms R&D activities. Find out more about the workshop and how to register by clicking on this link: https://lnkd.in/ewJEK8gm We look forward to welcoming you in person! #SpaceMechanisms #CleanSpace #Networking