Performance study of electric pump unit bearings of spacecraft thermal control systems

This paper presents the methodology and test results of rolling bearings of low-flow electric pump units used to ensure circulation of the thermal liquid in the active thermal control system of spacecraft. A multi-position stand has been developed for testing bearings within 40 days in a thermal liquid at a speed of 6000 rpm with the possibility of registering the separator rate speed. As a performance criterion, the clearance in the bearing is used. The conditions of the onset of pitting are investigated.