Satellite Control Circuit

Satellite control circuit. (Courtesy of Space Systems Loral Inc. DuPont Application Note Reference H-78276.) 

---

A small fire in a computer room, a telephone exchange, or an assembly plant for communication satellites can cause enormous damage because of minute amounts of corrosion on circuit elements. Furthermore, if either water or a halogenated agent is used to control the... 

Momentum control gyroscopes and precision guidance instruments are used to control and detect movement in satellites, space probes and platforms, airplanes and missiles. They are, composed of a number of extremely complex electromechanical systems with circuit card assemblies, wire windings, lamination stacks, ball, roller, and gas bearings, and potted components which contain small voids and crevices. Tolerances on these assemblies can be in the microinch range. These instruments can contain lubricants and the previously discussed damping fluids. 

The fundamental concept of the 4S is that of continuous monitoring rather than active operation . The reactor operates using a system of pre-programmed movable reflectors and the power control is executed from the outside, through feedwater flow rate changes in the power circuit. The plant and component conditions and/or unauthorized access could be continuously monitored from outside the site, e.g. by satellite systems. 

---