Timken Supplies Super Precision Bearings to Mars Rovers
Resource from: www.timken.com
04 Mar,2004
Further solidifying its position as a leading supplier to the space industry, Timken has supplied super precision bearings that are currently being used on both of NASA's Mars Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity.
Starsys Research, one of the subcontractors that worked with NASA on the Rover project, fit the bearings onto each of the Rovers. In all, Starsys placed Timken(R) ball bearings on 13 different designs, including the deployment and operational gearboxes on wheel transmissions, solar array panel drives, rock abrasion tool drives, and all four actuators that deploy, rotate and maneuver the pan cameras, or camera mast.
"It's a very important quality statement for Timken to have bearings that are being used on the Rovers," said Martin Galehouse - product engineer. "A poorly functioning bearing in space could be the difference between a successful mission and a failed mission. Starsys Research chose to use Timken(R) bearings because they know that we give them the best chance for a successful mission.
"Spirit landed on Mars January 4. Opportunity landed on the other side of the planet 21 days later, January 25.
"The decision to use Timken bearings for the mechanized parts on the Rovers was based on the thin section series and the higher radial capability of the Timken bearings versus other manufacturers," said Jon Evans, director of engineering for Starsys. "The bearing envelopes fit our designs nicely for the high-speed bearings used in all the planet gears on every transmission on the Rover. Also, previous space success with the thin section bearings and the smaller high-speed bearings helped contribute to Starsys's decision to go with Timken as the preferred vendor."
"Many of the ball bearings used are of the angular contact thin-section variety," Galehouse said. "These types of bearings offer a great amount of rigidity, which is important when positioning an instrument for an analysis or steadying a camera."
The Timken bearings provided a lower mass to help reduce weight; a decreased contact angle on some applications provided a higher radial capability which provides greater mobility; and a decreased radial play for improved radial run out at the rotating outputs to allow for accurate steering and pointing.
Timken also ran numerous tests to make sure the bearings would be able to operate in the harsh environment of space. Most of the testing was analytical in nature and involved looking at different load cases to make sure that the bearings are not over-stressed. Starsys also performed its own tests to be sure the bearings could operate under a certain torque level so the motors are not overworked.
(www.timken.com)
(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.
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.
