Space Applications

Beaver actuation technology consistently meets the demands of space exploration
Special Beaver ball screw actuators were used to clamp and lock the Titan I Missile in firing position after it was raised from the silo. Beaver ball splines were used to position the Telstar antenna. Beaver ball screws provided motion for the 9-ton Apollo flight simulator. Over 100 Beaver ball screws were used to shape the walls of the supersonic wind tunnels. Beaver ball screws, measuring 50 feet long and three inches in diameter, were used for nuclear control rod drives, as well as a positioning mechanism for electron acceleration.

Space Shuttle
Eight electromechanical actuators, designed and manufactured by Beaver, are mounted on a split ring docking module, which contains an octagon-shaped hatch. The docking module is attached to an orbiter. As the orbiter approaches the space station and makes initial contact, the actuators act as a soft spring, absorbing the energy of the moving orbiter and bringing it to a locking position on the space station. Each Beaver actuator consists of a ball screw, capable of back driving under load, dual drive motors, worm gear transmission, as well as a resolver and load cell in a totally enclosed, packaged assembly.

The space shuttle features another interesting Beaver application on the manipulator arm. A ball bearing spline, located in the gripper mechanism, is used for transmitting torque from a rotating shaft input to the gripper mechanism, moving in a linear direction. Advantages of the ball bearing spline are: sensitive response, compact profile, mechanical reliability, which eliminates leakage problems associated with hydraulics under the conditions of outer space, as well as extremely smooth and accurate operation.

Lunar Rover
Beaver’s precision ball screws were used in the fuel throttle device of the Lunar Excursion Module, which helped provide a smooth, safe landing on the moon.

Pershing Missile
An ultra-precision ball screw, with a lead accuracy of 70 millionths of an inch, was used in the guidance control mechanism of the Pershing Missile.

Mars Rover
Beaver Aerospace provided a crown gear assembly for the pedal actuator in this critical space application. The pedal actuator was designed to extend and “rotate” the Rover container to the proper position so that the vehicle could exit the container and start its valuable mission.

James Webb Space Telescope
Beaver is providing the ball screws that will provide six degrees of movement for each of the mirror segments on the JWST program.

BALL SCREWS
Beaver Aerospace & Defense is pleased to offer an extensive inventory of Boeing 747 and 767 Horizontal Stabilizer Ball Screw Assemblies and component parts in stock to support your requirements. Inventory is also available for 737 Classic Series Trailing Edge Flap Ball Screws and a variety of thrust reverser ball screws. Contact us for a complete list of available parts or, for more information, visit the Ball Screws page. In addition, visit the FAA-Approved Parts & Components page for a complete list of available Beaver Aerospace & Defense FAA-Approved parts and components.

ACTUATORS
Beaver Aerospace & Defense designs and manufactures Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs) for customers whose applications are rigorous and environmentally demanding, yet require short schedules and low cost targets. We can meet customer expectations by using previously proven designs and components when possible – and custom designs and components when necessary. For more information, visit the Actuators page.

FAA-APPROVED PARTS & COMPONENTS
Visit the FAA-Approved Parts & Components page for a complete list of available Beaver Aerospace & Defense parts and components.