Applications of MEMS devices in space

As technology continues advancing, performance improvements can be expected, and the sky is not
 the Limit here. In addition to microsats, there's technology on the way that will allow us to
 have nanosats (defined as less than 10 kilograms in mass) and picosats, which are on the order
 of only one kilogram. You could plan to pre-deploy these nanosats and Picosats with your main
satellite, and use them to watch the on-orbit deployment of your main satellite.

By observing the shroud ejection and subsequent satellite deployment, you could use this record
 of the event in case of an accident, to determine what happened and who may be at fault. Was it
 the launch vehicle provider or was it the satellite manufacturer that caused the problem and
 who should be compensated for a non-functioning satellite. These nanosats and picosats will be
 small enough to be carried on the microsats themselves. This will enable them to provide a type of
"plug and play" feature to a larger satellite. Mems based devices are very reliable and robust enough to
withstand the harsh conditions in space.

Nowadays pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, various kinds of temperature sensors are
 planning to be used in space projects. Since the devices realized using MEMS are very compact
 and hence a tight packaging can be done.

The extremely compact size of the MEMS devices cannot be destroyed easily by the extreme
conditions in space. Future space missions incorporating new miniaturized instrument designs
 could benefit significantly from the application of MEMS technology. These devices can be
 affordably incorporated in highly miniaturized sensors requiring a level of manufacturing
precision not possible with current macro-scale technology. Additionally, the savings in mass
and power make these devices ideal for micro-scale, low-cost missions planned in future NASA
 programs.

Future Trends:

Space exploration in the coming century will emphasize cost effectiveness and highly focused
 mission objectives, which will result in frequent multiple missions that broaden the scope of
space science and to validate new technologies on a timely basis. MEMS is one of the key
enabling technology to create cost-effective, ultra-miniaturized, robust, and functionally
focused spacecraft for both robotic and human exploration programs.

Examples of MEMS devices at various stages of development include;

> Microgyroscope,
> Microseismometer,
> Microhygrometer,
> Qadrupole mass spectrometer, and
> Micropropulsion engine.

These devices, when proven successful, will serve as models for developing components and
 systems for new-millennium spacecraft.

The other areas of MEMS technology which are under research are:

> MEMS based systems for radioactive environments.
> The extensive use of bio-MEMS for various space missions is under serious research.
> Micro-power generators for long duration space missions can be realized using MEMS.
> Highly efficient LASER can be realized using MEMS technology.

Less cost satellites can be realized using Picosats. The uses of miniature probes for
 interplanetary research will revolutionaries the face of deep space exploration. Also deep
space exploration can be performed with higher precision using small sized satellites. The
security and functionality of large satellites can be improved using Picosats, when working as
 sub satellites to the main satellite.

Raiza Pernia
CI. V.-17.528.555
CRF

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