Spacecraft such as satellites and probes need to adjust their attitudes and deploy payloads through actuators in space. The "high precision" and "long service life" characteristics of heavy-load electric cylinders perfectly meet the requirements of space missions.
Attitude Control System
In Beidou navigation satellites, heavy-load electric cylinders drive the speed adjustment of reaction flywheels to achieve satellite attitude stability, with a control precision of ±0.001° per hour, ensuring that satellite antennas are always aligned with the Earth. Meanwhile, heavy-load electric cylinders adopt a "brushless motor + planetary reducer" structure, with a service life of more than 15 years, satisfying the on-orbit operation needs of satellites.
Payload Deployment System
In the Chang'e lunar probe, heavy-load electric cylinders drive the deployment of solar panels and landing legs, with a speed control precision of ±0.5mm per second during the deployment process, avoiding structural deformation caused by overly fast deployment. In Mars rovers,
heavy-load electric cylinders drive the joint movement of robotic arms to realize sample collection on the Martian surface. With a positioning precision of ±1mm, heavy-load electric cylinders can complete the entire process of "drilling - grabbing - transferring".
The long-term on-orbit operation of space stations relies on the maintenance and operation of robotic arms. As the "power source" for robotic arm joints, heavy-load electric cylinders directly determine the motion performance of robotic arms.
In the International Space Station and China's space station "Tiangong":
Robotic Arm Joint Drive: Each joint of the space station's robotic arm integrates 2-4 heavy-load electric cylinders. Through coordinated control, the rotation and telescoping of the joints are realized, with a positioning precision of ±0.1mm, enabling the completion of complex tasks such as assisting astronauts in extravehicular activities and module docking.
Hatch and Payload Replacement: Heavy-load electric cylinders drive the opening/closing of space station hatches and the replacement of payloads. In a vacuum environment, "sealing design" and "grease anti-volatilization treatment" ensure the stability of the mechanism's movement. At the same time, through motor current feedback, the operation status of the mechanism is monitored in real time, avoiding on-orbit failures caused by jamming.