Hanwha Systems Successfully Exports 'Vibration Reduction Device' for Satellite Tremor Control to Germany

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Hanwha Systems has been recognized for its technological prowess by exporting core satellite components to Germany, a leading country in overseas space development, for the first time in Korea.

Hanwha Systems announced on the 27th that it signed an export contract for the 'Infrared (IR) Detector Cooler Vibration Reduction Device (ICIA)' mounted on satellites with the German satellite system company OHB System AG.

The vibration reduction device is an essential core component that efficiently reduces vibrations generated in satellites to enhance the observation performance of the satellite. The vibration reduction device to be supplied this time is recognized for its technological excellence and differentiation in the overseas space market, as it can efficiently respond not only to micro-vibration reduction in orbits with different vibration magnitudes but also to vibration reduction in launch vibration environments.

Satellites are exposed to various environments from launch to mission operation in space, and the minute vibrations generated at this time can have a fatal impact on high-resolution image quality. Representative examples include ▲ gimbal-type antennas (devices that keep compasses and others horizontal) that transmit high-resolution observation satellite image data to the ground ▲ coolers for realizing ultra-low temperatures on the infrared sensor focal plane ▲ vibrations generated by reaction wheels, which are attitude control actuators of satellites.

In particular, the infrared sensor of the satellite is equipped with a high-sensitivity sensor to acquire images while flying at high speed, and an ultra-low temperature cooler is used to minimize the thermal noise generated at this time. Such coolers induce micro-vibrations during satellite orbit operation, which is a major cause of degradation in the high-resolution image quality of observation satellites.

Vibration reduction device to be installed on the infrared sensor cooler of the satellite payload / Photo by Hanwha Systems

Hanwha Systems, Professor Oh Hyun-woong of Chosun University, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute jointly hold a patent for the development of the vibration reduction device (ICIA), and in August, they were recognized for their ultra-small satellite manufacturing technology by publishing a paper titled 'Design of an 80kg-class X-band Active Ultra-small SAR Satellite' in the world-renowned SCIE journal Aerospace.

Professor Oh said, "With the recent increase in demand for high-resolution images due to advancements in satellite technology and the sophistication of missions, the standards for the image quality of observation satellites have become stricter, highlighting the importance of vibration reduction devices. As this is the first case of exporting a device developed purely with domestic technology to an advanced overseas space development country, I hope this contract will contribute to the globalization of domestic satellite technology."

Lee Kwang-yeol, Head of the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Business Division at Hanwha Systems, said, "We take pride in successfully developing and exporting the vibration reduction device based on Hanwha Systems' technological capabilities. We plan to actively expand into the global market by broadening our satellite business areas, including ultra-small SAR satellites and low-earth orbit communication satellite services."