A launch vehicle actuator is used with the nozzle control system of a launch vehicle to provide thrust vector control. It adjusts the engine's thrust exit point based on commands from the thrust vector control (TVC) system, thereby changing the direction of the engine nozzles to steer the launch vehicle accurately along its desired trajectory. These actuators have been used in several launching vehicles such as Centaur, Antares, Delta IV, and Vega.
Types of launch vehicle actuators include:
- Electromechanical linear actuator is an electromechanical device that converts electric power into linear motion by using a motor, gearbox (rotary motion), and lead screw (linear motion) components.
- Electromechanical rotary actuator converts electric power input to rotary motion using a motor and gearbox. The gear mechanism reduces speed and increases output torque.
- Hydraulic linear actuator consists of a piston-cylinder configuration. This actuator uses a pressurized liquid to move the piston linearly inside the cylinder. The piston speed can be adjusted by varying the liquid flow rate.
- Electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA) utilizes both electric and hydraulic technologies to convert electrical energy into linear or rotary motion. This actuator employs an electric motor to drive a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump then supplies pressurized fluid to operate a hydraulic actuator, which controls the nozzle or valve.
