| Abstract: | Results of a series of lubricant screening and performance tests are described that provide criteria for the selection of proper Lubrication for precision spacecraft mechanisms, such as reaction wheels, gyroscopes, solar array drives, and gimbals. An eccentric, thrust—bearing apparatus was used for rapid screening and relative ranking of lubricants, and results are compared to life test data for a series of oils. Synthetic hydrocarbon oils and greases are recommended for the first three types of mechanism, while newly developed, high density, oriented, MoS2, films are recommended for gimbals. |
