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Liftoff is one of the most sensitive stages of spaceflight. Thrust vectoring systems make thousands of tiny automatic adjustments in order to create what looks, to the outside observer, like a clean arc from the landing pad into the upper atmosphere. During the first few critical minutes from launch to stage separation, it’s important to rely on lightweight and reliable components that have been tested across hundreds of launches and decades of manned and unmanned spaceflight.
The Lee Company makes four kinds of flow metering valves which are commonly used in spacecraft hydraulic systems. This range of valves provides additional functionality for applications when a basic flow restrictor is not enough.
Lee Restrictor Cheks combine the function of a restrictor in series with a check valve into one miniature package. This provides considerable size and weight savings with no loss in performance. Lee directional flow controls provide metered flow in one direction and free flow in the opposite direction. Dual metering flow controls offer different metered flow rates in each direction. By contrast, Lee Floserts – while still incredibly small and lightweight – provide a constant flow over a wide range of differential pressures by incorporating both fixed and variable metering orifices.
In short, Lee flow metering valves generally combine the function of two components in a single package, but they can provide functionality that’s greater than the sum of the combined parts. As with all Lee valves, these robust products offer precise performance in miniature, lightweight envelopes. They are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet the specific needs of an application. This makes them ideal for pressurization, propulsion, purge systems, and thrust vector control.
Learn which of our Lee flow metering valves will work best for your spaceflight application. Start by checking out the resources below.
Always verify flow calculations by experiment.
*There are many parameters to consider when determining V-Factor. Click here for more information.
