Thruster Gimbal Assembly

Overview

Designed and manufactured by Moog, Chatsworth Operations, these gimbals support a wide variety of propulsion technologies, including xenon ion engines, arc‑jet thrusters, and NTO/MMH systems, and address the growing demand for dedicated, flight‑qualified vector‑pointing solutions. The family incorporates proven Moog actuator technology and has accumulated significant flight heritage on missions such as MUSES‑C (Hayabusa), Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) and multiple commercial satellite platforms.

All gimbals in the family are configured for precise cross‑axis positioning using either linearly actuated or rotary actuated dual‑axis architectures. High‑reliability space‑qualified stepper motors, Harmonic Drive® gear transmissions and/or lead‑screw linear transmissions, and integrated position‑sensing potentiometers provide the resolution and accuracy required for long‑duration missions. Propellant line accommodation, including xenon and bipropellant feed systems with heaters, is available across the product line, along with optional MLI blankets. With demonstrated 15‑year on‑orbit design life and a range of sizes from small ion‑thruster gimbals to large EP assemblies, the Moog gimbal family delivers a scalable, flight‑proven solution for electric propulsion vector control.