Abstract: A force moment sensor for sensing forces and moments in a system through which forces and moments are transferred from an input member to an output member is disclosed. It includes a housing, an inner tube, a load plate, a plurality of elongate connectors and a plurality of dynamic deflection measuring devices. The housing has a base portion and an outer tube portion generally orthogonal to the base portion. The inner tube, a poled piezoceramic element, is operably connected to the base portion and spaced inwardly of the outer tube. The load plate is attached to the inner tube, spaced from the base portion and spaced from the outer tube. The plurality of elongate connectors are connected between the load plate and the outer tube portion. The plurality of dynamic deflection measuring devices are attached to the load plate for measuring dynamic flexible deflections of the load plate.

Abstract: An instrument package for carrying on board observation instruments is for launching from space. The instrument includes a housing, a power supply, a communication system and an internal instrument volume. The housing includes a protective skin and adapted to be launched from space. The power supply is secured in the inside of the housing. The communication system is operably connected to the power supply for transmitting data to a location remote from the instrument package. The internal instrument volume is inside the housing and is adapted to receive scientific instrument connectable to the communication system. The instrument package may include an on board control system operably connected to the power supply.