Piezoelectric closed-loop motion modules are integral to the
Dynamic Ionosphere CubeSat Experiment (DICE) satellite funded by NSF
Victor, NY — Dec. 16, 2011 — New Scale
Technologies today announced that its miniature linear
actuator modules were on board the United Launch Alliance Delta 2
rocket launched at Vandenberg Air Force Base October 28. The New
Scale modules are integral to the Dynamic Ionosphere CubeSat
Experiment (DICE) satellites, a pair of “pico-satellites” built by
the Space Dynamics Laboratory at the Utah State University in
partnership with ASTRA (PI), L-3 Communications Systems, NASA and
the National Science Foundation.
The DICE satellites will collect data on variations in ionosphere
plasma density that affect the performance of communications,
surveillance, and navigation systems on earth and in space. The
small, low-powered satellites measure 10 x 10 x 15 cm each, and
require ultra-small, low-power components. The project is funded by
a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
The New Scale motion module is a miniature high-resolution
positioning system with piezoelectric motor, integrated drive
electronics and closed-loop control. Less than half the size and
one-fourth the weight of comparable systems, it offers 0.5µm
position resolution with many millimeters of travel. It operates on
a 3.3V input and holds position with power off.
For more information about DICE visit
http://www.sdl.usu.edu/programs/dice
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