Tough take-off

Engineers at the European Space Agency (ESA) are relying on advanced linear motion technology, to design Europe's latest Vega satellite launcher. It is expected that advanced linear motion technology will help the new satellite launcher, to overcome the challenges of extreme conditions that will be experienced by it, during potential space missions. The thrust vector control (TVC) has emerged as one of the launcher's most critical sub-systems. The TVC allows the launcher, to be controlled during its key propulsion phases by responding to commands from the onboard computer, which will be monitored from ESA's mission control station. The engineers will use electromechanical actuators for the satellite launcher's TVC. SABCA, the Belgian aerospace company has helped the ESA, to develop the TVC system for the satellite launcher. The company's design engineers selected roller screws from SKF, as a key element of the actuator.