New Satellite Components Introduced by Sierra Space
New Satellite Components Introduced by Sierra Space
Upgraded SADA and UMCD Variants Will Help Spacecraft Position Solar Panels
Two new complementary products supporting the growing satellite market were introduced by Sierra Space at the Small Satellite Conference last week. A new Solar Array Drive Assembly (SADA), with multiple options, and a new commercial variant of its heritage Universal Microstepping Control Driver (UMCD) combine recent technological-component advancements with the company's spaceflight expertise to create cost-effective solar array-management systems at reduced lead times.
"We’re committed to growing a Low Earth Orbit economy and one aspect of supporting that mission is creating cost-effective commercial products delivered in reduced lead times.”
Rusty Thomas, Sierra Space
These new product offerings will benefit the satellite industry by making solar array mechanisms more affordable and more quickly available for burgeoning high-volume applications. “We’re committed to growing a Low Earth Orbit economy and one aspect of supporting that mission is creating cost-effective commercial products delivered in reduced lead times,” said Rusty Thomas, SVP & General Manager of Sierra Space’s Space Applications Sector and Chief Technology Officer. “To build a robust Low Earth Orbit economy, the industry needs to move at a pace in which it can grow unimpeded. These new solar array products will help support that much-needed high-volume growth.”
The new SADA and UMCD variants will help spacecraft position their solar panels toward the sun to maximize power generation. While the SADA mechanism works to physically point the solar array, the UMCD receives and interprets input signals from the flight computer and then outputs the power signals that drive the SADA rotation.
The new commercial variant of the heritage UMCD improves capability while drastically decreasing SWaP, cost, and schedule time. Notably, the SADA product will include four base options of varying capabilities and features. With this variety of base options, Sierra Space can canvas the needs of the satellite market for pointing applications.
All of these products are now available to order as a solution for new space customers where high-reliability products are needed with expedited lead times. Please click here to view Sierra Space’s spaceflight hardware catalog and request more information on these new products.