Design of a Magnetically-Geared Actuator for Extremely Cold and Dusty Space Environments

This paper presents the completed design of a rotational actuator composed of a concentric magnetically-geared motor and cycloidal magnetic gear for operation in dusty, vacuum environments where the actuator’s temperature will vary between -249 °C (24 K) to +101 °C (374 K), e.g., the lunar surface. The requirements of the actuator are summarized, followed by a presentation of the electromagnetic, bearing, thermal, and structural designs. The predicted performance of the actuator over the full operating temperature regime and for a range of air gap sizes is presented.