AAS 98-143

AN ANALYSIS OF SHUTTLE-BASED PERFORMANCE OF MEMS SENSORS

R. H. Smith - The Aerospace Corp.

Abstract

The use of micro/nanotechnology (MNT) devices in space applications has the potential of revolutionizing some basic spacecraft subsystems. Their low cost, weight and volume, and mass producibility make them ideal for an era of spaceflight that concentrates on smaller and less expensive spacecraft. This paper introduces the reader to a Shuttle-based testbed program and some of its basic objectives. One of the core demonstrations of the STS-95 flight of the testbed will involve a suite of microaccelerometers and gyros. A pre-flight prediction of their performance will be given. Furthermore, a review of their basic operating features and potential applications will also be presented.

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