Long Life Gimbal/Bearing System

SSG Precision Optronics proposes the development and application of a space-compatible long life contact bearing technology. The bearing development proposed expands on our Phase I work where a number of unconventional bearing materials (SiN balls and TiCN coated bearing races) have been assessed for long life. A significant portion of our Phase II activity is directed toward improving and qualifying our bearing test facility, making long life testing over a broad range of operating temperatures possible. Facility qualification will be followed with life testing of a number of unconventional bearing elements. Raytheon will be working with SSG during our activity, in order to assure that the requirements and configurations used are consistent with the needs of the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) mission (see attached support letter). Once an optimal bearing configuration has been defined a single axis gimbal system (TBD: azimuthal axis only of STSS) will be built up using mock-up components based on the current STSS design/requirements, and the hybrid bearing element. This single axis system will be available to MDA, Air Force, and/or Raytheon for performance and/or life testing in order to facilitate transfer of the long life bearing technology into the STSS program. Our overall objective is to extend the lifetime of the traditional contact-bearing based gimbal to 10 – 15 years.