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: A drive module comprising an elbow formed of composite material and having two generally tubular legs having a large bore. On one leg, elbow supports an azimuth drive module also formed in a generally tubular configuration and have a large bore. On the other leg, elbow supports an elevation drive module also formed in a generally tubular configuration and having a large bore. The respective modules are operatively connected to an outside diameter of the respective legs. Azimuth drive module and elevation drive module include motors which when energized enable displacement of the respective legs in order to control the azimuth and elevation of elbow to enable pointing of a structure, such as an antenna as may be located on a second elbow.

Abstract: A gimbal drive module comprising an elbow (24) formed of composite material and having two legs. On one leg, elbow (24) includes an azimuth drive module (26). On the other leg, elbow (24) includes an elevation drive module (30). Azimuth drive module (26) and elevation drive module (30) include motors which when energized enable displacement of the respective legs in order to control the azimuth and elevation of elbow (24) to enable pointing of a structure, such as an antenna (18), as may be located on a second elbow outboard end (20).

Abstract: A capacitor mounting assembly uses a mounting assembly for mounting and aligning a plurality of DC can capacitors on a bulk power system assembly. The mounting assembly includes a metallic base member with a channel cross section having mounting flanges at the longitudinal edges with holes to allow fasteners to pass through and secure the base member to a power system assembly. A top metallic cover plate and a plastic layer cover the top surface of the base member to form a sandwich construction with the plastic layer between the two metallic surfaces. The plastic layer is a polypropylene sheet in the illustrative embodiment. The three layers have holes punched through the sandwich to accept the insertion of the can capacitors.