Measurement of Satellite Solar Array Panel Vibrations Caused by Thermal Snap and Gas Jet Thruster Firing

“…It appears that some active satellite vibration modes exist in the 3-12 Hz range from on-orbit test data [11]. Another study that used cameras mounted on the GOSAT satellite to analyze solar panel vibrations caused by thermal snap and gas jet thruster firing events showed that a 0.215 Hz out-of-plane and 0.459 Hz in-plane mode were observed [12]. Both sets of on-orbit test data generally agree with the expected first natural frequency of a solar array described by the Table 2 parameters and fixed-free cantilever beam calculation in Eq.…”

Section: Synthetic Light Curve Simulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Near Real Time Satellite Event Detection, Characterization, and Operational Assessment Via the Exploitation of Remote Photoacoustic Signatures

et al. 2021

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Current active satellite maneuver detection techniques can resolve maneuvers as quickly as fifteen minutes post maneuver for large Δv when using angles-only optical tracking. Medium to small magnitude burn detection times range from 6 to 24 h or more. Small magnitude burns may be indistinguishable from natural perturbative effects if passive techniques are employed. Utilizing a photoacoustic signature detection scheme can allow for near real time maneuver detection and spacecraft parameter estimation. We define the acquisition of hypertemporal photometric data as photoacoustic sensing because the data can be played back as an acoustic signal. Studying the operational frequency spectra, profile, and aural perception of an active satellite event such as a thruster ignition or any subsystem operation can provide unique signature identifiers that support resident space object characterization efforts. A thruster ignition induces vibrations in a satellite body which can modulate reflected sunlight. If the reflected photon flux is sampled at a sufficient rate, the change in light intensity due to the propulsive event can be detected. Sensing vibrational mode changes allows for a direct timestamp of thruster ignition and shut-off events and thus makes possible the near real time estimation of spacecraft Δv and maneuver type if coupled with active observations immediately post maneuver. This research also investigates the estimation of other impulse related spacecraft parameters such as mass, specific impulse, exhaust velocity, and mass flow rate using impulse-momentum and work-energy methods. Experimental results to date have not yet demonstrated an operator-correlated detection of a propulsive event; however, the application of photoacoustic sensing has exhibited characteristics unique to hypertemporal photometry that are discussed alongside potential improvements to increase the probability of active satellite event detection. Simulations herein suggest that large, potentially destructive modal displacements are required for optical sensor detection and thus more comprehensive vibration modeling and signal-to-noise ratio improvements should be explored.

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“…This phenomena are mainly due to a varying temperature gradient across the thickness of the solar panels. 40 In-orbit measurements of the thermal snap, phenomena were presented by Oda et al 41 As it is presented in Sec. 6, several techniques can be implemented to reduce some of the microvibrations sources presented in the previous paragraphs.…”

Section: Propertymentioning

confidence: 98%

Opto-thermo-mechanical phenomena in satellite free-space optical communications: survey and challenges

Badás,

Piron,

Bouwmeester

et al. 2023

Opt. Eng.

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Growing interest in free-space optical communication, due to the high bandwidth and security provided by these links, has generated the necessity of designing high-performance satellite terminals. In order to develop these terminals, the optothermo-mechanical phenomena that appear in the space environment and their effect on optical communication links have to be understood in detail. A review of the opto-thermo-mechanical phenomena occurring in spaceborne terminals is presented, describing the relevance of each of them. The methods found to compute the impact on the communication performance due to opto-thermo-mechanical phenomena are collected by building the bridge between the optical and communication performance parameters. Finally, techniques available to mitigate the detrimental effects of these phenomena are classified, and the relevant research challenges are identified.

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Measurement of Satellite Solar Array Panel Vibrations Caused by Thermal Snap and Gas Jet Thruster Firing

Cited by 11 publications

References 2 publications

Vibration of Satellite Solar Array Paddle Caused by Thermal Shock When a Satellite Goes Through the Eclipse

Vibration of Satellite Solar Array Paddle Caused by Thermal Shock When a Satellite Goes Through the Eclipse

Near Real Time Satellite Event Detection, Characterization, and Operational Assessment Via the Exploitation of Remote Photoacoustic Signatures

Opto-thermo-mechanical phenomena in satellite free-space optical communications: survey and challenges

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