Andrews Space of Seattle said Nov. 13 that it had signed an exclusive agreement with Sinclair Interplanetary to begin manufacturing and selling torque rods that Toronto-based Sinclair has been supplying to the small-satellite market for the past five years.
Under the agreement, Andrews will take over manufacturing the Sinclair TQ-15 and TQ-40 torque rod products, which are intended for spacecraft weighing 30 to 180 kilograms.
Doug Sinclair, owner of Sinclair Interplanetary, said the transfer will allow his company to focus on development of next-generation reaction wheel and star tracker products.
Melissa Wuerl, head of new business for Andrews Space, said she expects U.S.-manufactured torque rods will be available for delivery starting mid-2013.
