Lubrication for Moving Mechanical Systems Used in Spacecraft

Abstract

Spacecraft, irrespective of their mission’s purpose, contain a number of moving mechanical assemblies such as control moment gyros, momentum/ reaction wheels, gyroscopes, scanners, solar array drives, etc. Most problems encountered with these moving systems are related to tribology and, specifically, lubrication. Lubrication problems result from the loss of lubricant from the working zone by evaporation, surface migration, etc. Therefore, to ensure long-term uninterrupted performance of these systems, an efficient lubricant replenishment system is essential. This article describes various lubricating methods and lubrication systems used for the successful operation of some of these systems for the entire mission periods.