Leading Aerospace Applications

Use of MEMS technology for space applications is being envisioned in mainly three areas: (i) micropropulsion technology for microsatellites (1-100 kg) and nanosatellites (1-1000 g), (ii) flight qualified guidance, navigation, and control system using MEMS inertial sensor and global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and (iii) MEMS based wireless multi-parameter sensor. In addition, several micromachined devices are also being developed as component level solutions for space applications. These include microsensors, microactuators, micro-heat pipes for thermal management, active conformable surfaces, etc. Environment in space and under the hood of a car are very similar especially with respect to the extreme temperatures and thermal cycling conditions encountered. Reliability consideration of devices for space applications needs to consider the long hibernation period preceding the use of these systems and also needs to account for use in extremely harsh environment during use which includes high radiation levels, extreme temperatures, and highly corrosive ambient depending on the specific mission.

Potential Investment Possibilities and Risk

Qualification and reliability of MNT is a critical barrier for all technologies and space applications. Regardless of how attractive the technology or “killer” the application, long-term performance and reliability must be guaranteed.

Performance and reliability can be considered a general issue and development of device-independent strategies will minimize intellectual property concerns.