Actuators in the Space industry
Space Rated Motion & Actuation Solutions
We supply low risk, fast delivery commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and fully engineered systems that are space certified and TRL9 flight-proven. Solutions can be provided as individual parts, tailored sub-assemblies or complete custom-designed assemblies to meet your mission requirements.
Motion Control Components & Sub-Systems
Roller Screws:
- Space-rated roller screws
- Multiple configurations and options for load, efficiency and life optimisation
Frameless Motors:
- Space rated frameless motors with zero cogging and low torque
- BLDC motor options
- Full integration support from the Olsen engineering team
Rotary Encoders:
- Space rated capacitive encoders for high reliability in extreme environments
- Compact and easy to install design with excellent vibration and shock tolerance
Drives & Power Electronics:
- Space qualified motor drives and power management electronics
- Software and control systems support available
Example Applications
- Spaceplanes: Primary and secondary flight control actuation
- Launch Vehicles: Thrust vector control and airbrake actuation
- Satellites: SADA mechanisms, deployment systems and tracking gimbals
- Antenna & Sensor Systems: RF, IR, laser and camera gimbals
- Mobile & Planetary Robots: Wheels, winches, boom arms and hatches
- In-Space Robotics & Manufacturing: Multi-axis robotic arms and manipulation systems
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Fuel rod actuation systems
- Lunar Landers: Landing gear deployment and hatch mechanisms
- Precision Pointing: Laser, optical and high-accuracy antenna positioning
- Reaction Wheels: Motors and drive electronics
- Simulation & Training: Actuation for simulators systems
- Test Systems: Load test rigs, vibration, shock and EMC pre-compliance setups with full project management

Drives / Power Electronics
UK Made
Project Management
Validation TestingAssurance of high quality proven pre qualified certification & compliance:
- Software Design Assurance: DO-178 DAL A
- Cosmic Radiation Hardened PCB’s 100krad option
- TID: 30 kRad; SEL: 37 Let MeV (Non-Destructive)
- MIL-STD-810G (Shock & Vibration)
- MIL-STD-461 (EMC)
- IPC-610 Class III High-Performance AssemblyIP67 Option
- DO-254 (Parts Traceability)
- MIL-STD-704 (Power Supply)
- DO-160G (Aerospace)
- Duplex CANBUS (Fail Over)
- -55°C to +100°C (Celsius)
- 10-100kHz Switching Frequency
- AS9100D Certified
Custom Design
We offer customised actuators for use within some of the most challenging and demanding industries and applications.
Our Product Range
Our Exlar range offers fully integrated AC or DC powered servo drives, digital position controllers, brushless servo motors and roller-screw actuators.
