Abstract
High-density, sputtered molybdenum disulfide films (MoS2) were investigated as lubricants for the next generation of spacecraft gimbal bearings where low torque signatures and long life are required. Low friction in a vacuum environment, virtually no out-gassing, insensitivity to low temperature, and radiation resistance of these lubricant films are valued in such applications. One hundred and twenty five thousand hours of accumulated bearing lest time were obtained on 24 pairs of flight-quality bearings ion-sputtered with three types of advanced MoS2 films. Life tests were conducted in a vacuum over a simulated duty cycle for a space pay bad gimbal. Optimum retainer and ball material composition were investigated. Comparisons were made with test bearings lubricated with liquid space lubricants. Self-lubricating PTFE retainers were required for long life, i.e., > 40 million gimbal cycles. Bearings with polyimide retainers, silicon nitride ceramic balls, or steel balls sputtered with MoS2 film suffered ear...
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