Satellite Solar Panel Deployment Mechanism

To be particular we focus on the satellite solar panel deployment mechanisms.

Satellite solar panel deployment mechanism. It explains the various problems faced and solutions adopted with a view to providing valid data for any other applications that could find them useful be they of a. Just like a scissor mechanism tintin s solar arrays have an extremely thin sandwich of what looks like four interlocking leaves. This system enables more light to be captured per area of solar panel thus improving the performance whilst reducing cost and weight.

This paper presents analytical simulation of drag braking during deployment of a solar array system of a small satellite within the space environment and helps the designer to detect problems during ground testing. Esa has developed a method for deploying solar concentrators that fits within the standard frame of the solar panels. This study investigates the complicated interaction between the deployment and locking processes of satellite flexible solar panel with the attitude of the satellite. This work describes the design and operational features of the system for antenna storage and deployment and the design and simulations of the solar array deployment system.

The deployable solar panels are stowed during the launch into a permitted small size volume in the launcher fairing and then expanded on orbit so the satellite has opportunity to provide very larger area for. The deployment system is based on a plastic fiber wire and thermal cutters guaranteeing a suitable level of reliability. A prototype of the system has been realized for a 3u cubesat consisting of two deployable solar panel systems made of three solar panels each for a total of six deployed solar panels. As one of critical units on the spacecraft the unfolding reliability of spacecraft solar array unfolding mechanics directly affects the spacecraft s flight mission success.