Bearings Survive on Mars
Resource from: CBCC Likes:2954
Jul 24,2008
After a nine-month, 677 million kilometre journey, 'Phoenix' finally reached its destination, landing safely on the North Pole of Mars on 26th May, 2008.
The latest Mars mission space probe is using super precision bearings to provide the robotic arm with the necessary flexibility The bearings were manufactured by The Barden Corporation, The Schaeffler Group's super precision bearing specialist headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, USA.
After a nine-month, 677 million kilometre journey, 'Phoenix' finally reached its destination, landing safely on the North Pole of Mars on 26th May, 2008.
Due to an initial communication fault, the activation of the robotic arm was delayed and could not be carried out until radio communication was restored two days later on 28th May.
Since then the robotic arm has been successfully performing its various tasks.
Since the Spring of 2008, the 2.4m robotic arm has been digging the frozen polar ground around the landing area.
The soil samples are being analysed onboard the Phoenix probe for traces of water and for possible signs of life.
On 20th June, 2008 NASA released an important initial finding: scientists were convinced that they had detected chunks of ice in a trench dug by the Phoenix robotic arm.
"When we were approached by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena to design and manufacture the bearing supports for the Phoenix robotic arm, we were well aware of the huge responsibility resting on our shoulders".
"After all, a bearing that malfunctioned would have doomed the whole mission to failure", said Al Conti, Aerospace Specialist at Barden Corporation.
Therefore, failure safety and reliability were the highest priorities.
Compactness of design, lowest possible mass, extremely low friction and maximum precision were also critical considerations.
Barden's stainless-steel super precision angular contact ball bearings have already survived the long journey through space undamaged.
Barden is confident that these bearings will also provide the required flexibility for the robot arm and ensure that it operates reliably over a long period, despite the adverse environmental conditions on Mars, such as storms, dust and extreme temperatures.
The robotic arms of the two previous probes, Spirit and Opportunity, are also equipped with super precision bearings from Barden Corporation.
Designed for a service life of 90 days, the probes, arms and bearings have exceeded the original expectations by more than four years so far.
Supplied with energy from solar cells, they are roaming the Mars landscape and sending scientific data back to Earth.
()
【CBCC News Statement】
1.The news above mentioned with detailed source are from internet.We are trying our best to assure they are accurate ,timely and safe so as to let bearing users and sellers read more related info.However, it doesn't mean we agree with any point of view referred in above contents and we are not responsible for the authenticity. If you want to publish the news,please note the source and you will be legally responsible for the news published.
2.All news edited and translated by us are specially noted the source"CBCC".
3.For investors,please be cautious for all news.We don't bear any damage brought by late and inaccurate news.
4.If the news we published involves copyright of yours,just let us know.
1.The news above mentioned with detailed source are from internet.We are trying our best to assure they are accurate ,timely and safe so as to let bearing users and sellers read more related info.However, it doesn't mean we agree with any point of view referred in above contents and we are not responsible for the authenticity. If you want to publish the news,please note the source and you will be legally responsible for the news published.
2.All news edited and translated by us are specially noted the source"CBCC".
3.For investors,please be cautious for all news.We don't bear any damage brought by late and inaccurate news.
4.If the news we published involves copyright of yours,just let us know.
Previous NSK Precision America Introduces PN Series of Direct Drive Motors
Next Schaeffler Comment Regarding Today’s Statement of the General Works Council of Continental AG
Next Schaeffler Comment Regarding Today’s Statement of the General Works Council of Continental AG
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Cnbearing is the No.1 bearing inquiry system and information service in China, dedicated to helping all bearing users and sellers throughout the world.
Cnbearing is supported by China National Bearing Industry Association, whose operation online is charged by China Bearing Unisun Tech. Co., Ltd.
China Bearing Unisun Tech. Co., Ltd owns all the rights. Since 2000, over 3,000 companies have been registered and enjoyed the company' s complete skillful service, which ranking many aspects in bearing industry at home and abroad with the most authority practical devices in China.