AbstractThis paper first gives an overview of the applications of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) in space. Microsystems are advertised for their extremely low size and mass, along with their low power consumption and in some case their improved performances. Examples of actual flown MEMS and future missions relying on MEMS are given. Microsystems are now enjoying a dynamic and expanding interest in the space community. This paper intends to give an idea about the next step in miniaturization, since the microelectronic industry is already looking at nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) driven by the more-than-Moore philosophy. We show that the impact of nanosystems should not be reduced at a homothecy in size, weight and power consumption. New forces appear at this scale (Casimir force…) which have to be considered in the system design. The example of a nano-mechanical memory is developed. We also show that performances of nanosystems are not systematically better than their microscopic counterparts through the study of the impact of dimension reduction on an accelerometer resolution and sensitivity. We conclude with the idea that nanosystems will find their greatest applications in distributed intelligent networks that will allow new mission concepts for space exploration.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Assessment of nanosystems for space applications


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 65 , 9-10 ; 1272-1283


    Publication date :

    2009-03-10


    Size :

    12 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Assessment of nanosystems for space applications

    Bilhaut, Lise | Online Contents | 2009


    Assessment of nanosystems for space applications

    Bilhaut, Lise | Online Contents | 2009


    FROM MICROSYSTEMS TO NANOSYSTEMS

    Hansson, A. | Online Contents | 1998



    Neural Basis Function Control of Super Micro Autonomous Reconfigurable Technology (SMART) Nanosystems

    Curtis, Steven / Rilee, Michael / Truszkowski, Walt et al. | AIAA | 2004