Mission to the Edge of Space!
The M-BEAM (magnetic bearing for brushless direct current motor in microgravity) project is an experiment about the design and construction of a fully wear and maintenance free brushless DC motor for microgravity. The objective is achieved by a magnetic bearing system stabilizing the rotor. This motor will work free of contact between rotor and stator due to magnetic bearings avoiding any friction on components. The results of the M-BEAM project will show the possibility to replace conventional lubricated bearings, such as they are currently used in space applications of reaction wheels, through these new and innovative magnetic bearings.