SOFA, a device designed for the highly accurate 2 axis pointing of antenna or any feature installed on a spacecraft is described. The major characteristic of this system is complete freedom from friction and wear out, resulting in numerous advantages, such as outstanding precision, virtually endless service life, high simplicity, and reliability. The sizing method is described and performances are analyzed. The results from analogue simulations are presented. A functional model of the electrical and mechanical parts was built and subjected to on ground tests using a 2 axis platform simulating the spacecraft's motions. The results obtained are thoroughly in keeping with the predictions and simulations. Various possible applications of the SOFA system are mentioned.
An antenna fine pointing mechanism
1981-05-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Antenna Deployment and Pointing Assembly Mechanism
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2007
|A fine pointing mechanism for intersatellite laser communication
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1999
|Development of a Fine Pointing and Trim Mechanism
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2007
|New Antenna Deployment, Pointing and Supporting Mechanism
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996
|Coarse Pointing and Fine Pointing Mechanism (CPA and FPA) for an Optical Communication Link
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003
|