Spherical air bearings allow 360 degrees rotation about two axes (one vertical axis and one horizontal axis). They also allow rotation about the third axis. Rotation about this third axis is limited by the shaft that goes through the center of the sphere and provides a mounting pattern for the payload. Rotation up to 30 degrees is common for these systems.

Space Electronics manufactures precision spherical air bearings. We specialize in the manufacturing of large hemispherical and spherical air bearings using standard and custom designs.

Typical Applications for Spherical Air Bearings

Providing a well-defined pivot and allowing friction-free rotation, these air bearings offer ideal space simulating platforms for testing attitude control systems.

This video shows a spherical air bearing being tested with a 1000 lb. load.

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