23.12.2010
3, 2, 1 … Lift-off in India with myonic ball bearings
Bangalore/Leutkirch - Already 15 times, the Indian government launched a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket. Special about this PSLV (to give it its abbreviated name) are the two marine research satellites in the nose of the launch vehicle.
The satellites employ a variety of myonic miniature ball bearings that were developed in a lengthy qualification process in collaboration with the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization). The usual method of three-axis stabilization in satellites is to install reaction wheels. The myonic ball bearings used for this must be manufactured with the utmost precision and finished using a Superfinish abrasion process in order to work with low friction in a wide range of temperatures over a long period of time (> 15 years).
Solar panels are used for providing the satellites' power supply. Stepping motors are inserted to bring the solar cells into the correct position, and these are also fitted with myonic special ball bearings. Positioning and a power supply are absolutely essential to a satellite.
myonic is proud to supply ball bearings for these very critical applications.