Project Idea

The M-BEAM (magnetic bearing for brushless direct current motor in microgravity) project is an experiment about the design and construction of a fully wear and maintenance free brushless DC motor for microgravity. The objective is achieved by a magnetic bearing system stabilizing the rotor. This motor will work free of contact between rotor and stator due to magnetic bearings avoiding any friction on components.

The results of the M-BEAM project will show the possibility to replace conventional lubricated bearings, such as they are currently used in space applications of reaction wheels, through these new and innovative magnetic bearings. This has many advantages for the space technology as it would significantly improve the bearing systems of reaction wheels, which leads to an increased life span of satellites and expensive services could get avoided.

The space program REXUS provided by ESA, DLR and SNSB offers the M-BEAM experiment the unique opportunity to test it on a sounding rocket under real microgravity conditions.

Scientific Background

Up to the present space agencies like NASA and ESA have commonly integrated grease bearing systems to reaction wheels of space telescopes and satellites. As reaction wheels operate in high rotational speeds these bearings get forced by great friction, an effect which reduces the life time of these devices dramatically.

For example technical issues, like the well known space telescope Hubble got some months ago, could get avoided. In this case three of six lubricated beard reaction wheels stopped working due to wear out. That has led Hubble into a missile situation as it is not able to operate with less than three reaction wheels and had to suspend in a safety mode. Only through a very expensive Space Shuttle service mission Hubble’s damage could get fixed together with some more updates.

The results of the M-BEAM experiment could help avoid technical problems like described in the case of Hubble by using wear and maintenance free magnetic bearing systems for reaction wheels. This technology shall show the possibility to replace common grease bearing systems, which are currently used in reaction wheels of satellites, through new and innovative magnetic bearing systems to avoid expensive services and increase their life span.