SSZTB50 july 2016 ADS1282-SP , ADS5474-SP , TLK2711-SP , TPS50601-SP , TPS7H3301-SP
Cameron Hart
When I was young, as most aspiring engineers do, I dreamed of going to outer space, specifically Mars. And I thought the only way to get there was aboard the NASA space shuttle. The cancellation of the shuttle program crushed that boyhood dream of mine, or so I thought. The recent commercialization of satellites and launch services, that may someday provide space exploration, has kept that dream alive for all of us. With some new innovation and the decades of experience out there I believe they will be able to make this dream a reality.
Although, keep in mind, outer space is a very dangerous place due to its extreme harsh environment. There is radiation, flying debris, extreme cold and hot temperatures, and many environmental disturbances while in orbit that must be taken into account. With careful consideration, expert spacecraft designers use radiation hardened integrated circuits (from companies like Texas Instruments), temperature and inertial control, and special exterior structures to protect the very space vehicle that could carry us to space from all of these environmental effects.
Since we’re not all astrophysicists, let’s start with understanding the seven basic subsystems of a spacecraft or satellite:
Propulsion. When you think of propulsion, you might envision the large rocket boosters that launch a satellite into outer space or return a space shuttle to Earth. But the satellite launch system is only a small function of an entire propulsion subsystem. A propulsion system’s main function is to adjust orbit and attitude – to position the spacecraft in the right orbit; control descent; or even reposition the spacecraft for a photo opportunity, like NASA did with the Mars Odyssey in October 2014 to photograph the Siding Spring comet (Figure 1).
As you can see, spacecrafts have extremely complex and interesting subsystems. Perhaps my insight will prepare you for your next trip to Mars, or at least get you thinking.
I encourage you to check out some of TI’s space technology at www.ti.com/space. And to see live demonstrations and learn about products from TI’s leading-edge radiation-hardened portfolio, visit booth No. 43 during the 2016 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference (NSREC), starting next week.
What’s your involvement in and perspective about the various subsystems in a spacecraft? Sign in to join the conversation.
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