Beyond Gravity has been awarded a contract to supply motor guidance mechanisms based on robotic manipulators for small satellites, which Swissto12 is developing for geostationary orbit. About this 26 Wolfgang Pavlinec reported on September, vice president of Beyond Gravity for thermal systems and mechanisms.
New Appmax three-axis manipulators 3 will be longer than previous models and have a wider range of motion of the components. Deliveries are scheduled for 2026-2027. These manipulators allow flexible orientation of motors, reducing their number on the satellite, optimizing the use of fuel and combining the functions of ascending to orbit and holding position in one system. Compared to fixed engines, movable manipulators provide greater maneuverability for on-orbit operations and facilitate deployment, avoiding interference from neighboring solar panels.
Previous Beyond Gravity guidance systems supported one motor per manipulator, which required multiple units for redundancy. The version for the HummingSat platform by Swissto12 is the first, capable of carrying two engines on one manipulator, which reduces the need for equipment. However, Appmax 3 takes up more space on the satellite wall during launch compared to the more compact two-axis Appmax system 2. This disadvantage can be minimized, if the system is integrated into the design of the satellite from the beginning.
The contract covers five announced HummingSat satellites for Intelsat companies, Traveled by the Mobile Star. The HummingSat platform weighs 1 ton belongs to a new generation of compact geostationary communication satellites and will debut in 2027 year with the IS-45 mission for Intelsat.
Beyond Gravity, as is Swissto12, based in Switzerland. The company has already delivered more than 100 electric motor guidance mechanisms to satellite manufacturers around the world. For Swissto12, it also supplies solar panel drive mechanisms and slip rings to ensure sufficient power generation in orbit.
Source: https://spacenews.com