SBIR-STTR Award

The ability of space borne systems to gather information can be enhanced by separating instruments from the spacecraft or by increasing antenna apertures to many times the size of the spacecraft. These deployments are often accomplished by using deployable booms as both deployment linear actuators and deployed structure. In many cases the ability to deploy structures that are extremely stable thermally and structurally is a requirement. There are several variations of deployable booms for systems that require precise thermal stability, articulated trusses are unequalled because they can use low coefficient of thermal expansion materials and provide the requisite stiffness. Articulated booms require a motor and deployment mechanism to form the boom once on orbit. The state of the art deployment mechanisms, used in articulated booms are large, massive and complex, requiring power from the host spacecraft to deploy. Starsys research is developing a new type of articulated spacecraft boom with a revolutionary deployment mechanism that exhibits lower volume, lower mass, lower parts count, lower cost and has enhanced capabilities over existing deployment mechanism and boom technologies.

Keywords:
RADAR, ANTENNA, BOOM, DEPLOYED, ARTICULATED

state-of-the-art articulated boom system for several years. The design developed during Phase 1 of this proposed Phase 2 SBIR program utilizes continuous articulated longerons with flexible composite hinges and a jackscrew deployment system. The use of continuous articulated longerons is a significant improvement in articulated boom technology and has already been implemented in the ISAT program. The continuous longeron design provides high stiffness to mass ratio while the jackscrew deployer provides a high deployment force capacity for preloading the boom and/or deploying a payload. The articulated architecture allows for the use of high-strength materials resulting in a significant moment capacity for the boom

Keywords:
linear deployment, jackscrew deploy