Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
07:00
Thermocapillary Convection Space Experiment on the SJ-10 Recoverable Satellite
Published on: March 11, 2020
7.9K
A double vacuum window mechanism for space-borne applications.
K Zilic1, A Aboobaker2, F Aubin1
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota/Twin Cities, 116 Church St., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|May 1, 2017
Summary
We developed a novel vacuum window mechanism for instruments needing two windows in series, allowing one to be moved and resealed. This innovation enables instruments to operate under vacuum and atmospheric pressures, crucial for space-borne applications like cosmic microwave background radiation measurement.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Engineering
- Astrophysics
Background:
- Space-borne instruments often require adaptable optical access under varying pressure conditions.
- Existing vacuum window designs may not meet the needs for both low-pressure operation and atmospheric accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel vacuum window mechanism.
- To enable applications needing two vacuum windows in series, with one movable and resealable.
- To facilitate instruments operating in both vacuum and atmospheric environments.
Main Methods:
- Design and implementation of a movable and resealable vacuum window.
- Integration of the mechanism into a balloon-borne payload.
- Testing under relevant operational conditions.
Main Results:
- Successful demonstration of the vacuum window mechanism's functionality.
- The mechanism allows for seamless transition between vacuum and atmospheric pressure conditions.
- The system proved effective in its application with the E and B experiment.
Conclusions:
- The presented vacuum window mechanism is a viable solution for instruments requiring dual-pressure operation.
- This technology enhances the versatility of space-borne and other sensitive instruments.
- The successful implementation validates the design for demanding scientific applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Rocket Propulsion in Empty Space - I
3.9K
The driving force for the motion of any vehicle is friction, but in the case of rocket propulsion in space, the friction force is not present. The motion of a rocket changes its velocity (and hence its momentum) by ejecting burned fuel gases, thus causing it to accelerate in the direction opposite to the velocity of the ejected fuel. In this situation, the mass and velocity of the rocket constantly change along with the total mass of ejected gases. Due to conservation of momentum, the...
3.9K
01:22Mechanical Systems
725
Mechanical systems are analogous to to electrical networks where springs and masses play similar roles to inductors and capacitors, respectively. A viscous damper in mechanical systems functions similarly to a resistor in electrical networks, dissipating energy. The forces acting on a mass in such systems include an applied force in the direction of motion, counteracted by forces from the spring, a viscous damper, and the mass's acceleration. This interplay of forces is mathematically...
725
01:12Rocket Propulsion In Empty Space - II
3.6K
The motion of a rocket is governed by the conservation of momentum principle. A rocket's momentum changes by the same amount (with the opposite sign) as the ejected gases. As time goes by, the rocket's mass (which includes the mass of the remaining fuel) continuously decreases, and its velocity increases. Therefore, the principle of conservation of momentum is used to explain the dynamics of a rocket's motion. The ideal rocket equation gives the change in velocity that a rocket...
3.6K
01:16Circular Orbits and Critical Velocity for Satellites
5.6K
The Moon orbits around the Earth. In turn, the Earth (and other planets) orbit the Sun. The space directly above our atmosphere is filled with artificial satellites in orbit. One can examine the circular orbit, the simplest kind of orbit, to understand the relationship between the speed and the period of planets and satellites with respect to their positions and the bodies that they orbit.
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) first suggested that the Earth and all other planets orbit the Sun in...
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) first suggested that the Earth and all other planets orbit the Sun in...
5.6K
01:05Mechanism of Ciliary Motion
5.4K
The ciliary structures were first seen in 1647 by Antonie Leeuwenhoek while observing the protozoans. In lower organisms, these appendages are responsible for cell movement, while in higher organisms, these appendages help in the movement of the extracellular fluids within the body cavities.
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
5.4K
01:25Space Trusses
1.4K
A space truss is a three-dimensional counterpart of a planar truss. These structures consist of members connected at their ends, often utilizing ball-and-socket joints to create a stable and versatile framework. The space truss is widely used in various construction projects due to its adaptability and capacity to withstand complex loads.
At the core of a space truss lies the fundamental unit known as the tetrahedron. This structure is composed of six members that form a three-dimensional shape...
At the core of a space truss lies the fundamental unit known as the tetrahedron. This structure is composed of six members that form a three-dimensional shape...
1.4K