Military Space News
TECH SPACE
Frontgrade unveils SADA-10 drive to increase efficiency for LEO and MEO satellites
illustration only

Frontgrade unveils SADA-10 drive to increase efficiency for LEO and MEO satellites

by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 20, 2025

Frontgrade Technologies has introduced the SADA-10, a compact Solar Array Drive Assembly designed to support precise solar array positioning for Low Earth Orbit and Medium Earth Orbit space missions. Built using knowledge acquired from previous flight systems, the SADA-10 features a hybrid stepper motor paired with a harmonic gear drive, delivering high torque, zero backlash, and 0.015-degree positioning accuracy to enhance solar tracking and power output in orbit.

The unit incorporates dual potentiometers for redundant position sensing. Its power-efficient circuit design limits power draw, facilitating efficient power and data transfer while minimizing spacecraft complexity and improving overall power budget management.

Provided as an off-the-shelf standard product, the SADA-10 uses a Twist Cap variant achieving +/- 1820 degrees of rotation. Frontgrade also plans future configurable versions that add slip ring assemblies for continuous 360-degree rotation and support for power levels reaching 120 volts. This flexibility allows integration across a variety of spacecraft designs.

With a mass of 3.0 kilograms, the SADA-10 supplies over 19 Newton-meters of output torque and operates within a temperature range of - 30 to +65 degrees Celsius. Its electromechanical integration reduces component count and wiring, contributing to lower mass, reduced cost, and potentially longer spacecraft mission duration.

Lorne Graves, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Frontgrade Technologies, stated, "The SADA-10 brings together precision, efficiency, and reliability in a compact package that's ready for today's dynamic mission needs. It empowers our customers to capture more power, streamline integration, and enhance spacecraft performance, all with proven, flight-qualified technology."

Related Links
Frontgrade Technologies
Space Technology News - Applications and Research

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
TECH SPACE
Power grid agreement to supply energy for Loft Orbital satellites
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 19, 2025
Loft Orbital and Star Catcher Industries have signed what is described as one of the first commercial energy purchase agreements for space operations. The deal allows Loft to buy power from Star Catcher's planned orbital energy grid to support its mission-agnostic satellite platforms in low Earth orbit, enabling dynamic growth in their satellite constellations. Loft's approach provides a turnkey deployment for a variety of customer payloads onboard high-power satellites. As payload demands increas ... read more

TECH SPACE
Space Force operationally accepts SciTec Forge missile warning ground system

SpaceX launches 21 satellites for U.S. military from California

Shield or Spark? The U.S. Golden Dome and the New Missile Arms Race

Sierra Space clears design milestone for missile tracking satellites in SDA Tranche 2

TECH SPACE
Sweden beefs up air defence in rearmament push

China slams Japan's plans to deploy missiles near Taiwan

Russian missile attack kills teenager in eastern Ukraine

Zelensky meets Macron seeking air defence deal for Ukraine: AFP

TECH SPACE
Aerodata debuts AeroForce X MALE UAV for long endurance ISR missions

Japan scrambles aircraft over suspected China drone near Taiwan

Belgium's Antwerp port vulnerable to drone attack, boss warns

Romania scrambles jets over fresh drone incursion; German military to counter drones domestically

TECH SPACE
Europe backs secure satellite communications with multibillion euro package

SpainSat NG programme completed as second secure communications satellite launches

New Laboratory Showcases Advanced Satcom Capabilities for Australian Defence Force

European Response to Escalating Space Security Crisis

TECH SPACE
Five European NATO powers vow to tackle 'hybrid threats'

Sweden, Ukraine to develop new weapons together

Australian company Hypersonix secures major defence and aerospace investment for green hydrogen hypersonic flight

Croatia reintroduces conscription to boost defence

TECH SPACE
EU gives Germany free pass over defence spending

Italy's Leonardo launches joint venture with UAE defence firm

Polish PM denounces 'sabotage' of railway line to Ukraine

Brussels and UK haggle over entry fee for EU defence fund

TECH SPACE
US Ukraine proposals 'not a real plan': Germany

US wants Ukraine to cede land, cut army size; as EU looks to move military eastward

G20 grapples with splintering world order

China promises 'new giant pandas' for France as pair flies home

TECH SPACE
Bright emission from hidden quantum states demonstrated in nanotechnology breakthrough

Novel technique reveals true behavior of next-generation MXenes

Unique phase of water revealed in nanoscale confinement

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.