Silicon Sensing accelerometer to equip on-orbit manufacturing demo satellite

Following a program of testing and development within satellite vehicles, Space Forge is to launch their on-orbit manufacturing demonstration satellite, ForgeStar-1, equipped with Silicon Sensing’s CAS291 accelerometer.

ForgeStar™ satellites will be used to produce advanced materials such as alloys, proteins and semiconductors in the ultra-vacuum and microgravity conditions of space. These are the first satellites designed and built in Wales, United Kingdom.

Silicon Sensing’s CAS291 high-performance accelerometer will be installed in the electrical subsystem of the avionics bay on ForgeStar-1 where it will measure the level of microgravity inside the satellite, to link to the quality of space-produced materials.

CAS291 is a miniature accelerometer capable of operating from -40°C to +125°C, with an acceleration range of up to ±0.85g. Its small size and weight, with its exterior – measuring 10.4 x 6 x 2.7mm and weighing only 0.6g – are critical in applications such as this where available space and weight are at a premium.

David Somerville, General Manager, Silicon Sensing, said, “We are delighted Space Forge has chosen our CAS accelerometers for their manufacturing satellites. Space Forge’s achievements in this area clearly indicate the high level of innovation that the United Kingdom has to offer – and their ForgeStar satellites will represent a new era for commercial nanosatellites.”

About Silicon Sensing Systems
Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd. is a gyroscope and inertial systems engineering development company, jointly owned by Collins Aerospace and Sumitomo Precision Products. The company was formed in 1999 and is, today, a market leader in silicon, micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based navigation and stabilization technology. Many millions of MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers have been supplied to thousands of customers since the company’s formation.