MEMS Technology & its application for Miniaturized Space System

MEMS- Micro electro mechanical system. Over the last decade Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) have evoked great interest in the scientific and engineering communities. They are formed by integration of electronic and mechanical components at micron level. MEMS has gained acceptance as viable products for many commercial and government applications. This paper will give an introduction to these exciting developments of MEMS, the fabrication technology used and application in various fields. Future applications of miniaturized space systems will have special needs on MEMS components. This paper addresses the needs, status and perspectives of the MEMS Technology for miniaturized space system from the perspectives of a spacecraft developer. First, the needs of the future space missions on MEMS components are discussed. Then, the state-of-the-art MEMS technologies are reviewed based upon these needs. Finally, perspectives of space-based MEMS technology will be addressed based on the analysis of both future mission needs and technological trends. Lastly, it concludes saying that MEMS have enough potential to establish a second technological revolution of miniaturization.