Lubrication Solutions for Space Mechanisms
Nye Lubricants, a member of the FUCHS Group, has formulated high-quality, lubrication solutions for the space industry for more than 65 years. We work with design engineers in the private, government, and military sectors to formulate specialty lubrication solutions for next-generation spacecraft. Launch vehicles, rovers, satellites, and applications involved in human travel and space exploration are just a few of the examples that require greases and oils that can withstand the demanding operating conditions of space.
Advantages of Specialty Lubricants for Space Mechanisms
The durability and reliability of all space mechanisms, including their lubrication, is critical to ensure the success of long-range missions. These missions will include exposure to ultra-high vacuum, radiation, and extreme temperatures, making higher performance and extended life lubricants a requirement.
Our lubrication solutions for space mechanisms can withstand extreme temperatures with minimal changes in viscosity. Our perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants can withstand temperatures from –90 °C to +250 °C. Our multiply-alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) lubricants have an operating range of -50 °C to 125 °C and offer an unmatched wear protection. If a space application requires the low outgassing and excellent wear performance of a MAC lubricant and the operating temperature is below -50 °C, some engineers add a heater to their design that raises the temperature into the operating temperature range of MACs.
Lubricants with good film strength are recommended for space applications and ensure moving parts are coated to minimize contact and friction. MAC lubricants are known for resisting wear-related break down to protect components under heavy loads.
Components in space mechanisms are expected to offer the highest reliability. As the ability to service or replace these components is limited or non-existent, lubricants must be able to protect components for the entirety of their intended life. We offer ‘Lube-for-Life’ lubricants, meaning that they have long-life performance to ensure reliability for the entirety of your mission.
Outgassing is akin to evaporation; it is the release of small fractional molecules from a bulk liquid or solid material. Evaporation losses accelerate when operating in vacuum and compromise a lubricant’s integrity over time. Low outgassing lubricants have a lower material loss to ensure longer-lasting lubrication.
Outgassed molecules can also condense on surfaces and adversely affect the optical or surface properties of the material onto which it condenses. Condensation on optical components like sensors, lenses, and solar cells can compromise mission performance. Lubricant outgassing is measured in total mass loss (TML) and collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM) per ASTM E595. The lubricants we offer for these components are tested to this standard and fall well below the acceptable outgassing limits determined by the space industry.
Dynamic particle generation happens when contaminants are created by being forced or expelled from a lubricated ball-screw, bearing, or gear system into the operating environment. These contaminants could include base oil constituents, thickener particles, additives, etc. and are freed from the grease through rolling, sliding, or a combination of both. Our proprietary test method and apparatus allows us to measure particle generation under these dynamic conditions.
Lubricants for Satellite Systems
Our lubricants are designed specifically for satellite components that must survive the severe conditions of the space environment, where long life is critical for the success of the mission.
To ensure contaminants from other lubricants do not creep onto the camera lens, NYEBAR can be applied to multiple mechanisms on the camera mast. NYEBAR creates a barrier film, holding the lubricating oil in place. Ultrafiltered MAC lubricants have low outgassing rates and superior anti-wear performance, making them ideal for components within or near a satellite camera. Lubricants with a lower particle generation count will ensure that optical components are not compromised.
Bearings: RHEOLUBE 2000LO & RHEOLUBE 2004LO
Camera Mast: NYEBAR Barrier Film
By providing attitude control, reaction wheels are the control gyros for satellites. A medium viscosity MAC grease will operate through high-torque adjustments and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Barrier Film: NYEBAR Barrier Film
Bearings: RHEOLUBE 2000
This system moves in a horizontal motion to scan targeted areas for imaging. Lubricating the bearings within the assembly will reduce vibration, and allow the system to move in a quick, smooth motion.
Bearings: SYNTHETIC OIL 2001-3PBNP
This instrument supports and spins the satellite throughout the mission. The bearings within the assembly are in constant rotation and require a MAC grease fortified for friction reduction.
Angular Contact Bearings: RHEOLUBE 2000 & SYNTHETIC OIL 2001
This system is responsible for positioning the solar panels in order to harvest sun light that can be turned into energy. MAC lubricants fortified with both anti- oxidants and anti-wear additives will help ensure long life of components.
Harmonic Gear Drive: RHEOLUBE 2004 & SYNTHETIC OIL 2001-3PB
Slip Ring in Power Transfer Assemblies: RHEOLUBE 2001
Testing Capabilities
Our lubricants for space mechanisms are tested and validated for their performance in our state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to in-vacuum testing. In this laboratory lubricants can be tested under simulated environmental operating conditions (i.e., vacuum, extreme temperatures) and provide our customers with relative life, cleanliness, friction and wear performance, and other performance data that helps them understand how our lubricants will perform in their application. Ultimately, this service helps our customer make the most informed lubricant choice.