Abstract: A microwave electrothermal thruster (MET) and its control system is disclosed and claimed. The MET control system uses a dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO) in series with a GaN MMIC-based Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) to generate microwave energy, transfer it to a thrust chamber, and heat a propellant that exits a nozzle, providing thrust. The control system uses feedback to provide autonomous control of the MET. A wide variety of propellants may be used, including, for example, hydrazine, ammonia, and water.

Abstract: An optical inter-satellite link (OISL) gimbal 10 that is particularly suited for directing an optical beam in an optical inter-satellite communications system is disclosed. The OISL gimbal 10 includes an azimuth drive housing 20, a generally cylindrical azimuth shaft 22 rotatably connected to the azimuth drive housing 20 and an optical payload 210 or beam-steering mirror 70 rotatably connected to the azimuth shaft 22. The azimuth shaft 22 has a clear aperture through which one or more optical beams may be directed to and from a stationary optical payload 30. A capacitive azimuth position sensor 40 detects the rotational position of the azimuth shaft 22 and a direct drive azimuth motor 50 drives rotation of the azimuth shaft 22. The OISL gimbal 10 preferably provides two-axis rotation of the optical payload 210 or beam-steering mirror 70 through approximately +/?180 degrees of inboard (azimuth) travel and +/?30 degrees of line-of-sight outboard (elevation) travel.

Abstract: An optical inter-satellite link (OISL) gimbal 10 that is particularly suited for directing an optical beam in an optical inter-satellite communications system is disclosed. The OISL gimbal 10 includes an azimuth drive housing 20, a generally cylindrical azimuth shaft 22 rotatably connected to the azimuth drive housing 20 and an optical payload 210 or beam-steering mirror 70 rotatably connected to the azimuth shaft 22. The azimuth shaft 22 has a clear aperture through which one or more optical beams may be directed to and from a stationary optical payload 30. A capacitive azimuth position sensor 40 detects the rotational position of the azimuth shaft 22 and a direct drive azimuth motor 50 drives rotation of the azimuth shaft 22. The OISL gimbal 10 preferably provides two-axis rotation of the optical payload 210 or beam-steering mirror 70 through approximately +/−180 degrees of inboard (azimuth) travel and +/−30 degrees of line-of-sight outboard (elevation) travel.

Abstract: An elongated electro-optical cable (100) is presented, which includes a plurality of elongated electrical conductors (104), a plurality of fiber optic elements (102), and an elongated insulating film casing enveloping the plurality of electrical conductors (104) and the plurality of fiber optic elements (102). The fiber optic elements (102), electrical conductors (104), and the elongated insulating film casing are arranged to form a generally flat cable (100). The cable may be arranged such that the electrical conductors (104) are shielded, for example, with a silver epoxy. An outer jacket (402) may be placed around the electrical conductors (104), fiber optic elements (102), and insulating film casing, which jacket (402) may be made from a tetrafluoroethylene polymer fiber. The electrical conductors (104) may be made from oxygen free copper and the insulating film casing may be made from a polyimide polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitive resolver (100). The capacitive resolver (100) includes a charge plate (102), a sensing plate (106), and an interrupter plate (400) positioned between the charge plate (102) and the sensing plate (106). The front surface of the sensing plate (500) has a sinusoidal pattern (502). The back surface of the sensing plate (600) includes charge detectors (602), charge collectors (608), and rectifiers (618). The capacitive resolver (100) also includes a signal generator (110) which is electrically connected to the charge plate (102) and a signal analyzer which is electrically connected to the sensing plate (106). The capacitive resolver (100) may additionally include a non-conductive support (112).