Page 4 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 8th March 2020

ELECTRIC MOTORS...

Small DC motors are playing a

key role in space exploration

The Milky Way, the galaxy that holds our solar system, is estimated to be up to
150,000 light years in diameter. Space is vast and enigmatic, making it a focal point
for exploration. Studying the mysteries of space requires innovative and robust
technology that is up for the challenge. Here Dave Walsha, sales manager at EMS,
explores the out of this world applications of high performance micromotors.

ASA explains the reasons behind space Celsius and a gravity roughly a third that of Earth,
exploration as a human desire to whereas outer space has microgravity, space
explore the unknown, push the radiation and extremely low pressure.
Nboundaries of our scientific and
technical limits and address fundamental questions Mighty motors
about our place in the Universe. The widespread Space exploration equipment such as rovers and
fascination with space exploration is undeniable, probes must operate in harsh conditions under high
and to answer our burning questions, technology mechanical stress. The motors that power these
must be up to the mark. pieces of equipment are arguably one of the most
Exploration equipment must be engineered to important components.
cope with a variety of conditions on planetary Take rovers for example, where high power
bodies and in outer space. For example, Mars has micromotors are required to carry out a variety of
an average temperature of around -60 degrees tasks. A rover can have over 20 onboard cameras,

March 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p4