Development of an in-orbit refocusing mechanism for the meteosat second generation weather satellites
conference paper
A Refocusing Mechanism (REM) has been designed and built for the SEVIRI instrument, the imager in the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite. The purpose of the mechanism is in-orbit focal adjustment of a mirror assembly which forms part of SEVIRI. As the MSG satellite observes the earth and its atmosphere from its geostationary orbit, the REM will be used to compensate for satellite structural distortions due to gravitational-, thermal- and aging effects. It is designed for frequent use. It enables in-orbit refocusing in 1.4 μm steps over a range of 2 mm with virtually no spurious rotations and translations. The REM was designed to support a large 3.9 kg mirror module in an ARIANE 5 rocket launch environment without the use of clamping mechanisms. Further major design drivers were the limited volume and the strict mass requirement. The REM function is realized in two modules. A guide module, based on elastic elements provides the required stroke within the strict requirements on lateral deviation and tilt. An actuator module with a motor, a planetary gearbox and a recirculating rollerscrew provides the force for translation of the mirror assembly. Coupling of the two modules has been realized by a dedicated leverarm structure.
Topics
TNO Identifier
234766
ISSN
0277786X
Source title
Earth Observing Systems III, 19-21 July 2002, San Diego, USA
Editor(s)
Barnes, W.L.
Collation
12 p.
Pages
92-103