Olsen Actuators and Drives Unveils SuperNova Servo Drive for LEO Motion Control Applications at Space-Comm Expo 2024

Olsen Actuators and Drives, a leading manufacturer and provider of COTS, customised and bespoke space-certified motion control products will introduce its SuperNova servo drive at Space-Comm Expo 2024, to be held in Farnborough from 6-7 March.

The event, which gathers space, aerospace, defence, downstream and upstream industries highlights the end-to-end supply chain for products, services and applications focused on the commercial future of space.

The SuperNova builds on the success of high-performance servo drive manufacturer and our technology partner, ESI Motion’s NOVA servo drive. Servo drives are a key component in space systems that translate low power command signals from the controller into high power voltage and current to the motor. They are essential for motion control.

The SuperNova, which can control most types of space-rated motor, has inrush protection and a brake driver and is packaged in a rugged case which does not require additional cooling. The radiation hardened controller takes the power available in a dual-axis configuration and adds more power along with multiple options of feedback while still providing one of the smallest servo drives for space applications on the market today.

Olsen Actuators and Drives and ESI Motion can customise the SuperNova solution for specific project requirements enabling customers to access the solution they need without having to create a bespoke solution in-house.

Based in the northwest of the England, at the internationally renowned Daresbury Laboratory, Olsen Actuators and Drives is increasing its share in the space market. The company, that has established European distribution channels, is already participating in UK space projects.

Established in 2004 by Piers Olsen, an engineer with over 30 years of experience, the company delivers complete solutions in precision technical markets and is renowned for its customer-focused delivery of electro-mechanical systems across a variety of industries including health, pharmaceuticals defence and aerospace and testing and simulation.

The company’s leading range of solutions are available with radiation-hardened components and space-specific specifications to speed up design, testing and integration.

As the space industry transitions to next generation satellites, launchers and multi orbits, it is important that component manufacturers can respond to the very unique needs of space players and enable them to reduce time-to-market.

"The space sector is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, leading to innovations that can benefit other industries and society as a whole," said Piers Olsen, CEO, Olsen Actuators and Drives. "Our aim is to supply space engineers with carefully sized actuators and drives that are best matched to the required application. We’re here to offer advice and opinion on best practices and available technologies and the option of a complete solution. Whether it’s a single actuator or a sophisticated control system, our wide application experience means that we are well-placed to serve this dynamic and highly innovative sector with powerful, fast, flexible and compact solutions."

Visit Olsen Actuators and Drives at stand E31 at Space-Comm Expo 2024.