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Lightweight, power-efficient steering-system actuators for better, low-cost satellites.
in space, every gram and watt matters
Every satellite manufacturer must reduce size, weight, and power (SWaP) to decrease cost and increase range. With excess SWaP, there must be more fuel, structural support, solar panels. Every excess kilogram adds about $25,000. With the steering system being one of the heaviest subsystems, it's of critical importance to reduce SWaP in this area. That's where Aphelion comes in.
Aphelion is targeting satellites that use ion thrusters to move.
See Our Technology in Action
SPECIFICATIONS
Core Technology
- Three electromagnets pull on a jointed permanent magnet to get both pitch and roll rotation.
- Aphelion developed a proprietary, field-effect control based algorithm to ensure aerospace-level robustness.
- By adjusting the strength of the electromagnets with this, the ion thruster can go to any position.
- Allows for ion thrusters of multiple sizes to be connected to the shaft.
- The first spherical motor in the world to be functional for aerospace.
Product Image
Aphelion's fourth spherical motor prototype.
EXPERTS TRUST APHELION
Aphelion proposes an intriguing concept, offering a lighter, less expensive alternative to traditional steering mechanisms for spacecraft. The aerospace industry values these system characteristics, and the market demand is certainly undeniable.
Why Aphelion
Revolutionary spherical motor technology delivers unprecedented improvements in satellite control systems when compared to conventional small satellite electric propulsion pointing mechanisms.
Volume Savings
Our compact design reduces spacecraft volume requirements by 61%. This is due to the removal of complex linkages, enabling more efficient payload configurations and mission flexibility.
Power Reduction
With only four electrically active components, we achieve 71% less power consumption compared to conventional technology. This dramatically extends mission duration and reduces operational costs.
Mass Reduction
Revolutionary 8-component design achieves 20% less mass than traditional systems, while maintaining superior performance and reliability standards.
Mission
To revolutionize aerospace by enabling better, cost-effective satellites through lighter and smaller steering systems. With Aphelion's novel spherical motor being applied to the space industry, humanity will be propelled forward through democratized access to space, defense satellites protecting our values, and more.
Journey
Team Formation
The team is formed, with prototype construction and optimization beginning.
Prototype Completion & Outreach
With the prototype completed, Aphelion contacts potential customers and works on outreach materials.
Partnership & Deployment
With funding secured, Aphelion signs their first partnership, and its actuators are deployed to satellite systems.
Team
Brandon
The lead CAD designer and head of Mechanics, Brandon is responsible for the 3D models. He has extensive experience leading world-class competitive robotics teams.
Landon
The head of algorithms and business operations, Landon is behind the software and control structure of Aphelion. He has many personal engineering projects under his belt, and is working on mathematical algorithms for his robotics team.
Tobin
The head of electronics and outreach, one can see Tobin's work on the electronic systems and this webpage. He has done research at UC San Diego and has designed dozens of websites.