Application study: evaluation and kinematic analysis of gimbal mechanisms with test bench implementation for evaluating K-band harness performance

Details

Supervisors

Dehez, Bruno ; Herman, Benoît

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil électromécanicien, à finalité spécialisée: mécatronique

Abstract

In the context of rapidly evolving needs for high-speed communications in the space industry, Aerospacelab, a Belgian satellite manufacturing company perfectly representative of New Space, has launched a project using the K-band for high-speed data transfers. To steer the antenna, a 2-degree-of-freedom mechanism or the gimbal is needed to reorient the antenna towards targets. This master thesis begins by presenting the project requirements, evaluating potential gimbal configuration solutions, and establishing a table of criteria for determining the best solution. Additionally, the Master's thesis presents the development of a modular test bench and measurement method to attest to the performance of high-frequency cables, undergoing stress due to gimbal movement, during the total lifetime of the satellite.