No abstract

No abstract

Gossamer structures for innovative space applications, such as solar sails, require technology that allows their controlled and thereby safe deployment. Before employing such technology for a dedicated science mission, it is desirable, if not necessary, to demonstrate its reliability with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of six or higher. The aim of the work presented here is to provide reliable technology that enables the controlled deployment and verification of its functionality with various laboratory tests, thereby qualifying the hardware for a first demonstration in low Earth orbit (LEO). The development was made in the Gossamer-1 project of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). This paper provides an overview of the Gossamer-1 mission and hardware development. The system is designed based on the requirements of a technology demonstration mission. The design rests on a crossed boom configuration with triangular sail segments. Employing engineering models, all aspects of the deployment were tested under ambient environment. Several components were also subjected to environmental qualification testing. An innovative stowing and deployment strategy for a controlled deployment, as well as the designs of the bus system, mechanisms and electronics are described. The tests conducted provide insights into the deployment process and allow a mechanical characterization of that deployment process, in particular the measurement of the deployment forces. Deployment on system level could be successfully demonstrated to be robust and controllable. The deployment technology is on TRL four approaching level five, with a qualification model for environmental testing currently being built.

No abstract

Deorbitsail is a 3U Cubesat project that will launch, deploy, and support a large drag sail deorbiting payload. The flight payload sail system will deploy to 5 by 5 meters, increasing the frontal area of the spacecraft dramatically. A series of 4-by-4-meter sail deployments has been performed with a prototype of the proposed system. The prototype system tests included partial deployments in environmental chambers and full-scale deployment at ambient lab conditions. Design changes arising from testing of the sail system prototype are described in this paper. Engineering model construction is underway and the Deorbitsail launch will be in 2014. Deorbitsail is a European Commission 7th Framework Programme project with nine partner organizations. © 2013 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved