Page 22 - MEMS and Microstructures in Aerospace Applications

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2 Vision for

Microtechnology Space

Missions

Cornelius J. Dennehy

CONTENTS

2.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 13
2.2 Recent MEMS Technology Developments for Space Missions .................. 16
2.2.1 NMP ST5 Thermal Louvers............................................................... 16
2.2.2 JWST Microshutter Array.................................................................. 18
2.2.3 Inchworm Microactuators .................................................................. 20
2.2.4 NMP ST6 Inertial Stellar Camera...................................................... 21
2.2.5 Microthrusters..................................................................................... 23
2.2.6 Other Examples of Space MEMS Developments ............................. 23
2.3 Potential Space Applications for MEMS Technology.................................. 25
2.3.1 Inventory of MEMS-Based Spacecraft Components ........................ 26
2.3.2 Affordable Microsatellites.................................................................. 26
2.3.3 Science Sensors and Instrumentation................................................. 27
2.3.4 Exploration Applications.................................................................... 28
2.3.5 Space Particles or Morphing Entities ................................................ 28
2.4 Challenges and Future Needs........................................................................ 29
2.4.1 Challenges .......................................................................................... 29
2.4.2 Future Needs....................................................................................... 29
2.5 Conclusions.................................................................................................... 32
References............................................................................................................... 33

2.1 INTRODUCTION

We live in an age when technology developments combined with the innate human
urge to imagine and innovate are yielding astounding inventions at an unpreced-
ented rate. In particular, the past 20 years have seen a disruptive technology called
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) emerge and blossom in multiple ways.
The commercial appeal of MEMS technologies lies in their low cost in high-volume
production, their inherent miniature-form factor, their ultralow mass and power,
their ruggedness, all with attendant complex functionality, precision, and accuracy.
We are extremely interested in utilizing MEMS technology for future space mission
for some of the very same reasons.

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