The manipulator flight demonstration (MFD) project was successfully completed in 1997, and thisverified the reliability of the mechanism of the Japanese Experiment Module Remote ManipulatorSystem (JEMRMS) and its lubrication. We are continuing the development of even more reliable solidlubrication technology for JEMRMS following the MFD project. Among the items we have developed are a ceramic-coated brake pad that provides stable highfriction, and a life prediction method for space gears under misalignment condition. We are alsostudying the basic mechanisms of solid lubrication, particularly for the development of a ball bearingwhich has long life both in air and in a vacuum.
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