Summary of Precision Actuators for Space Application

The objective of this paper is to present the state-of-the-art of precision actuators in the United States. This report is based upon information available to the author and not on a comprehensive search of all developments in the US. Precision actuators are those with submicron resolution and often limited to less than about 0.2 % strain of the actuator material. Most of the actuators are those associated with Adaptive Structures. One definition of Adaptive Structures are systems whose geometric and physical structural characteristics can be beneficially modified to meet mission requirements either through remote commands or automatically in response to internal or external stimulations. Actuators, sensors, and control systems are directly integrated into the structure.