Scaling up with a satellite payload delivery system

The load will be positioned over the L-band feed array in a fixed position during testing, and when in use it is supported on the MGSE, capable of fine positional and rotational adjustments to the load position relative to the feed array. The flight integrity of the feed array being loaded must be preserved during the test program, therefore the load and the MGSE were built so as not to be a source of contamination, with no physical contact between the load and the feed array active surfaces.

With manual motion control, the MGSE payload delivery system is designed for delicate movements for the testing and loading process and includes four stainless steel positioning cones for perfect placement. This is despite managing a huge safe working load of 650kg, which has been safety tested to 1300kg.

This Mechanical Ground Support Equipment will be used by Airbus across multiple sites, including Portsmouth UK; Toulouse, France; and Montreal in Canada, as the satellites are assembled.

Although LG Motion does not usually build motion control systems this large, it is testament to the team and manufacturing partners that the company has been able to deliver a solution for the customer at this scale, without compromising on the exacting specifications required.