Drive systems for space
Ready for the new space age.
maxon drive systems are among the most flown actuators in Martian research, and in space they power some of the most complex robotic systems that humans have ever built.
When there is no room for error.
Whether it’s a flagship historic Mars mission or a commercial space shuttle, the reliability of individual components is of immense importance in all space applications. Since maxon systems drive many mission-critical components whose failure would be unacceptable, we also offer electrically redundant motors to safeguard the entire mission. maxon SpaceLab offers a range of solutions to suit different redundancy requirements.
Dedicated space specialists.
We have over 25 years of experience and a proven track record in space missions. Using this experience, the maxon SpaceLab engineers experts have developed compiled a dedicated range of standard components that have been modified in terms of materials, processing, and testing.
Based on proven maxon`s industrial heritage, these products have been qualified for space applications. We can initially provide lower cost industrial variants for prototypes and functional samples. As a result, our customers benefit from a significantly shorter development phase and economical large-scale production. This helps reduce costs for commercial rocket or satellite launches.
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Space catalog
Drive Systems for Space Applications.
To support customers in the space industry, maxon created a dedicated space group in 2020. The maxon SpaceLab offers optimized service for space applications. This catalog introduces a selection of high-reliability solutions for demanding applications in space environments, with an emphasis on products with space heritage.
White paper
Mars 2020: From COTS to rover drive.
The white paper “Mars 2020 maxon Commercial Motor Development from Commercial-Off-the-Shelf to Flight-Qualified Motors, Gearboxes, and Detent Brakes: Overcoming Issues and Lessons Learned” was published in collaboration with JPL as part of the 45th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium hosted by NASA and presents a summary of the results of drive development for the Mars rover Perseverance.
This was published in English as part of the 45th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium hosted by NASA.
Frequently asked questions
How do drive parts qualified for use in space differ from the industry standard?
Our space-modified drive components have already been used in space projects and therefore have space heritage. All space catalog products have undergone testing in a qualification program with space environmental test levels. The space catalog products have a modified design with respect to the usual aviation specifications, and the products have been made more robust.
Are maxon industrial drives also suitable for space applications?
Our industrial drives are not tested to space standards and the degree of modification is limited. We recommend using the industrial standard products only for Earth based prototyping. The industrial motors have similar electrical parameters to the drive systems suitable for space applications. Note that, we don’t offer specific support for industrial drives used in space applications.
Can maxon also provide the required documentation for the new space application?
Yes, we can offer an additional documentation package for all products from the maxon SpaceLab portfolio.
Does maxon have a controller qualified for use in space?
No, not yet. However, maxon SpaceLab is currently working with partners that offer them. Please contact us for further information.
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Any more questions?
Our SpaceLab engineers will be happy to assist you.