Next Generation Gimbal (NGG)

Applied Technology Associates (ATA) proposes innovations in the design and mechanizations of space gimbals and their electrical and pointing controls. This new paradigm for a gimbal design is denoted the Next Generation Gimbal (NGG) and yields a gimbal system that is lighter, uses less power, and exhibits better performance. The technology innovations that will be exploited in creating the NGG include: • On-Gimbal IMU for precise and accurate pointing control and stabilization; • Momentum storage and exchange mechanisms to achieave more efficient power utilization than conventional gimbal motors; • Innovative mode logic and control algorithms to optimize overall mass, power, function, and performance; • Advanced gimbal subsystem control electronics hosted on flexible, small, low-power FPGA processors with characteristics suitable for space environments; • Material selections that are compatible with optical payload gimbal applications. The combination of these new gimbal design approaches, advanced technologies, and new control and operating philosophies offer great promise and allows us to reach the goals of SBIR Topic MDA07-008.