Mechanical switching unit, system and satellite

A mechanical switching unit for selectively moving a functional component from a first position to a second position, the mechanical switching unit comprising:

• a housing;
• an input element configured to be set in motion by a drive;
• an output element in engagement with the input element and configured to be set in motion by the input element;
• a first holding point;
• a second holding point;
• wherein the input element is engaged with the output element such that the output element is movable from the first position to the second position and vice versa, thereby moving the functional component from the first position to the second position and vice versa;
• wherein the first holding point is configured to exert a first holding force on the functional component in the first position and to hold the functional component in the first position;
• wherein the second holding point is configured to exert a second holding force on the functional component in the second position and to hold the functional component in the second position,
• wherein each of the first holding point and the second holding point are separate from the input element and the output element;
• wherein, in the first position or in the second position, a force acting on the functional component is absorbed by the first holding point or the second holding point, respectively, and the functional component is mechanically decoupled from the input element and the output element, thereby reducing the mechanical load applied by the functional component onto the input element and the output element,
• wherein the first holding point is arranged at the housing;
• wherein the second holding point is arranged at the housing;
• wherein the first holding point has a first support surface, wherein the first support surface is configured such that the functional component rests on the first support surface in the first position;
• and
• wherein the second holding point has a second support surface, wherein the second support surface is configured such that the functional component rests on the second support surface in the second position.