On March 13, 2015, NASA launched the four Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) Spacecraft-Satellites with primary components machined by SpecMaster in collaboration with Goddard Space Flight Center.
SpecMaster worked closely with NASA engineers to translate scientific research into a concept that could be manufactured and tested for use in the MMS Spacecraft. The SpecMaster team brought years of experience and an innovative approach to the challenge. We built several extensive prototypes in the process of realizing the final concept and were the only contractor identified who was able to fully address the complex components for the GPS Antenna and S-Band Ground Communications. SpecMaster was also a part of NASA’s successful satellite launch on 2/27/14 where the spacecraft was launched from Japan armed with SpecMaster machined components for the Reflector Assembly for the GPM , High Gain Antenna System.
Communications S-Band Antenna
The Magnetosopheric Multiscale Mission or MMS, involves four octagonal disc-shaped spacecraft which will fly in a loose formation above earth to take unprecedented measurements of magnetic reconnection as it occurs in different areas of Earth’s magnetosphere.
The MMS Mission will greatly expand our understanding of how magnetic reconnection works throughout the universe. Understanding reconnection better may provide clues to developing a new source of efficient, clean, sustainable energy here on Earth, as magnetic reconnection can interfere with the success of fusion energy reactors.
“After a decade of planning and engineering, the science team is ready to go to work,” said Jim Burch, principal investigator for the MMS instrument suite science team at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio (SwRI). “We’ve never had this type of opportunity to study this fundamental process in such detail.”
Each MMS observatory was assembled at NASA’S Goddard Space Flight Center. For over two years, SpecMaster worked closely with Goddard Space Center Engineers to machine critical navigation and communication components for the spacecraft, specifically the development and manufacture of the critical spacecraft communications and GPS navigation system.
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Ground Communications Antenna
SpecMaster is a broad-based machining facility with extensive expertise in producing prototypes, pre-production, and fulfilling low to medium volume production orders. We have produced machined parts for over 40 years and have developed the innovative problem solving skills needed to manufacture the un-manufacturable. We specialize in machining complex geometries and challenging 3D features. Whether you’re building a spaceship or something closer to earth, SpecMaster can help, call us today at 303-227-3400 or request a quote online.