Microengineering Technology For Space Systems

A follow-on to Micro- and Nanotechnology for Space Systems, this second monograph in the series uses the more universal term microengineering to define the discipline and processes that lead to the development of an integrated and intelligent microinstrument. Microengineering Technology for Space Systems addresses specific issues concerning areas for ASIM application in current space systems, operation in the space environment, ultra-high-density packaging and nonsilicon materials-processing tools, and the feasibility of the nanosatellite concept.

Microengineering Aerospace Systems is a textbook tutorial encompassing MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems), nanoelectronics, packaging, processing, and materials characterization for developing miniaturized smart instruments for aerospace systems (i.e., ASIM application-specific integrated microinstrument), satellites, and satellite subsystems. Third in a series of Aerospace Press publications covering this rapidly advancing technology, this work presents fundamental aspects of the technology and specific aerospace systems applications through worked examples.

Bekey presents an imaginative view of what space could be like in the next several decades if new technologies are developed and bold new innovative applications are undertaken. He discusses a future environment for space activities very different from the predominant conditions of the past and present.

The potential threat posed by Leonid meteroids to orbiting spacecraft over the next several years calls for new dynamic mitigation strategies to assist the satellite community in reducing the danger to its vehicles. This book offers deliberate dynamic mitigation strategies to complement the traditional shielding strategies, providing mission operators additional ways to decrease the danger. Five different attitude control and orbit maneuvering options are examined in detail. The information is presented in algorithmic form to allow technically competent, but meteoroid inexperienced, operators to easily understand the phenomena, assess the danger, and implement procedures. Although general in scope, the book emphasizes the Leonid meteor events of the 1998-2002 timeframe.

Remote sensing and geospatial data processing are rapidly evolving and increasingly important fields with widespread applications. In this monograph, Glackin and Peltzer trace the evolution of remote sensing satellites and their instruments and geospatial data processing, document the state of the art, and present key trends emerging for the next decade. The authors emphasize the increasing commercialization and international expansion of the field, particularly in the field of imaging satellites and the use of geographic information systems to make remote sensing data more accessible.

Micromanufacturing and Nanotechnology is an emerging technological infrastructure and process that involves manufacturing of products and systems at the micro and nano scale levels. Development of micro and nano scale products and systems are underway due to the reason that they are faster, accurate and less expensive. Moreover, the basic functional units of such systems possesses remarkable mechanical, electronic and chemical properties compared to the macro-scale counterparts. Since this infrastructure has already become the prefered choice for the design and development of next generation products and systems it is now necessary to disseminate the conceptual and practical phenomenological know-how in a broader context. This book incorporates a selection of research and development papers. Its scope is the history and background, underlynig design methodology, application domains and recent developments.

The promise of MEMS for aerospace applications has been germinating for years, and current advances bring the field to the very cusp of fruition. Reliability is chief among the challenges limiting the deployment of MEMS technologies in space, as the requirement of zero failure during the mission is quite stringent for this burgeoning field. MEMS and Microstructures in Aerospace Applications provides all the necessary tools to overcome these obstacles and take MEMS from the lab bench to beyond the exosphere. The book begins with an overview of MEMS development and provides several demonstrations of past and current examples of MEMS in space. From this platform, the discussion builds to fabrication technologies; the effect of space environmental factors on MEMS devices; and micro technologies for space systems, instrumentation, communications, thermal control, guidance navigation and control, and propulsion. Subsequent chapters explore factors common to all of the described systems, such as MEMS packaging, handling and contamination control, material selection for specific applications, reliability practices for design and application, and assurance practices. Edited and contributed by an outstanding team of leading experts from industry, academia, and national laboratories, MEMS and Microstructures in Aerospace Applications illuminates the path toward qualifying and integrating MEMS devices and instruments into future space missions and developing innovative satellite systems.

Microengineering and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are a subject of considerable current interest involving research and development throughout the world. This first volume of a series on this topic reviews and evaluates micro- and nanotechnologies applicable to U.S. Air Force and commercial space systems. It introduces the concept of application-specific integrated microinstrument (ASIM), an intelligent microinstrument.