Designing a precision motor for the spacecraft reflector control system

The development of spacecraft large-sized reflectors is one of the most urgent issues for the space industry. The reflector structure is to meet such principle criteria as high accuracy in reflective surface configuration and weight. The accuracy in the reflective surface configuration during continuous operation is ensured by the control system. The authors suggest using piezo motors in the control system. The motors of such type of certain small mass-overall characteristics can create high force. This paper presents a new piezo motor design and its operation. A mathematic model of piezo motor operation modes has been worked out which became the basis for setting new designed piezo motor operation modes depending on different loads. The results of the experimental tests of the new designed piezo motor confirmed the results of the theoretical calculations.