Heavy demands on high flying mechanisms

Another job that has been helped along by EPM Consultants has to do with antennas for the METOP satellite that will be placed in orbit in 2002. METOP is part of the European Space Agency's (ESA) earth observation program and will be used to gather information about wind and weather.

The Earth observation satellite METOP will gather information about wind, weather and ocean ice movements.

The Jotne firm EPM Consultants has helped Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace with the calculations and design of motorised deployment hinges for the satellite's advanced scatterometer.

"Our task was to calculate the optimal design and dimensions of the mechanisms that unfold the satellite's antennas," explains Rolf Hildre, Jotne's project manager.

"The hinges are very light, very stiff and so solid they will not vibrate. There are extremely precise requirements for the hinges as well. Our drawings have details that are measured in thousandths of a millimeter."

EPM Consultants has also contributed calculations and additional work in conjunction with the testing of the deployment hinges.