Motion Control - Application - maxon in Mars helicopter

Motion Control – Application – maxon drives are used in the rover and in the first Mars helicopter

Posted by Editor on September 7th, 2023

Motion Control – Application – Maxon Goes to Mars!

The Helicopter is Still Flying …

… 56 Trips and Counting!

Taunton, MA — Motion Control – Application – DC motors from maxon have been used in virtually all successful robot missions on Mars. More than 100 of these drives from Switzerland are already on the Red Planet and the number will go up again when the Perseverance rover starts its work. Its mission is to collect soil samples on Mars that will be analyzed on Earth later. The rover also carried the Ingenuity helicopter drone, which will be performing the first flights on the Red Planet. maxon’s precision motors and gearheads are used in numerous mission-critical tasks.

For example, they power the small robotic arm in the rover that moves the valuable samples from station to station. maxon BLDC motors are used for sealing and depositing the sample containers as well. There are also six micromotors with a diameter of 10 millimeters that control the tilt of the rotor blades, which determines the direction of Ingenuity’s flight. maxon is proud to be part of another pioneering achievement in engineering on Mars.

Modified standard products are the secret to success

motion control - integrated motor

Ten maxon drives are in the latest Mars rover. For the first time, BLDC motors are being used: nine EC 32 flat and one EC 20 flat in combination with a GP 22 UP planetary gearhead (pictured). Like all of our electric motors used on Mars, they are based on standard catalog products, which can be found on Earth in all kinds of different applications.

Build motors for the Mars helicopter? It would be our pleasure.

As the first drone flew over the surface of Mars, we were bursting with pride. Especially Florbela. She is the project manager responsible for the DC motors that control the helicopter. She liaises between our customers and the various departments at maxon, making sure our drives fulfill the challenging requirements of space missions.

Because you can’t repair a motor on Mars

Every move has to be just right when it comes to drives for Mars missions, and every assembly step has to be documented. If one of our drives doesn’t work, the entire mission could fail. That’s why Dominik and his team in Special Production work closely together to exchange information, discuss next steps and double check each others work on every drive system.

Inspiration doesn’t come from a blank sheet of paper

Every space project is different and demands creative solutions. That’s why our SpaceLab Director Robin collects unusual components from motors and gearheads to get inspiration. This is how he came up with the main idea for the brushless drive that is used in the Perseverance rover.

With drives for Mars, every tenth of a gram counts

Our DC motors and gearheads are a part of many space missions. They are developed based on our previous experiences and our knowledge. Aiko knows exactly which modifications are needed for our standard industrial products to function perfectly on Mars.

White paper: What’s behind the drives for Mars 2020

maxon’s engineers worked closely with the specialists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in order to supply the perfect drives for the Mars 2020 mission. There were a number of obstacles that had to be overcome before the standard industrial products met all the requirements. Now, in a detailed white paper, the people involved provide insights into their processes, modifications, and findings.

Request this issue of DRIVEN HERE

Discover the solar system with us

maxon drive systems have become an indispensable part of space exploration. The DC motors, gearheads, and encoders are not only used on Mars. In the latest issue of driven magazine, you can read about the other space projects that get a necessary boost from our drive systems.

We are your space experts

All space projects are managed by our specialized SpaceLab team. maxon has been EN 9100 certified since 2012, has established the necessary quality processes, and knows the requirements of the industry. We test our precision drives intensively in our own laboratories to verify their resistance to vibration, shock, heat, cold, and vacuum.

For an interesting video CLICK HERE

For More about the Helicopter, “Ingenuity,” and the Motors, and the 1st flight CLICK HERE

For More about the 5 challenges an electric motor has to overcome on Mars CLICK HERE

About Maxon

The Swiss specialist for quality drives maxon is a developer and manufacturer of brushed and brushless DC motors, as well as gearheads, encoders, controllers, and entire mechatronic systems. maxon drives are used wherever the requirements are particularly high: in NASA’s Mars rovers, in surgical power tools, in humanoid robots, and in precision industrial applications, for example. To maintain its leadership in this demanding market, the company invests a considerable share of its annual revenue in research and development. Worldwide, maxon has more than 3000 employees at nine production sites and is represented by sales companies in more than 30 countries.

Maxon is a developer and manufacturer of motion contol brushed and brushless DC motors, as well as gearheads, encoders, controllers, and entire mechatronic systems. With over 50 years of experience in drive technology, maxon works closely with engineers designing high-tech innovations. maxon drives are used wherever the requirements are particularly high: in NASA’s Mars rovers, in surgical power tools, in humanoid robots, and in precision industrial applications. Worldwide, maxon has more than 2800 employees at nine production sites and is represented by sales companies in more than 30 countries. www.maxongroup.com

Contact maxon for more details https://support.maxongroup.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

Comprehensive documentation and software are included with every delivery, and are also available for you to download from our website at www.maxonmotor.com.

Maxon’s trade show experience goes virtual

For Information on Maxon’s Virtual Trade Show CLICK HERE