Wanping Zheng
PRESENTATION: MEMS Potential Applications to Canadian Space Programs
There has been a rapid growth in the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) industry over the last decade as more products are being introduced in the marketplace. The size, power requirements, and robustness, coupled with their inherent intelligence have made MEMS attractive in many applications. MEMS technology also has good potentials to be utilized for space systems, as subsystems incorporating MEMS exhibit qualities that are desirable in a space environment
As space budgets in many countries are limited, the new approach of faster, cheaper and better to spacecraft development is prevailing. Micro and nano satellites benefiting from the advance of electronics, material, and computing technologies are developed for a variety of space missions. MEMS technology can be used in the subsystems of micro/nano satellites. Many of these subsystems are orders of magnitude smaller than components currently used. They increase the functionality of satellite meanwhile decrease its weight, as a result, lower the mission cost. MEMS devices can be used in many subsystems of micro/nano satellites, such as command and control, attitude determination and control, power, propulsion and thermal control. They can also be used in communications and radar payload systems and space science instrument
The Canadian Space Agency has identified miniaturization of space systems technology as one of the technology thrusters for future space missions. MEMS technology will play an important role in the future space systems.
