Cubesat Solar Panel Deployment Mechanism

In the present work a deployable solar panel based on a burn wire triggering holding and release mechanism was developed for use of 6 u cubesat.

Cubesat solar panel deployment mechanism.

This work describes the design and operational features of the system for antenna storage and deployment and the design and simulations of the solar. The solar cells are azur space 3g30c qualified solar cells for space applications with 30 efficiency using triple junction technology. Table 2 shows the mission for each satellite being operated and the shape of the solar panel deployment. The deployment system is based on a plastic fiber wire and thermal cutters guaranteeing a suitable level of reliability.

Dhv cs 10 products are solar arrays for 1u cubesats there are available top bottom and side versions. Adam thurn an aerospace engineer at the u s. Thanks to its very thin and customisable design it fits on all cubesat structures and subsystems such as isis antenna system. 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.

The holding and release mechanism was designed based on a nichrome burn wire cutting method widely used for cubesat applications. Solar panels are manufactured following the standard ecss e st 20 08c. Its space qualified cells are provided with extensive characterization and test reports. The deployment mechanisms designed for the albus are an attempt to eliminate all deployment consumables or even human factors like winding strap wire to allow a reliable and resettable means to deploy structures on a cubesat.

Small mechanisms for cubesat satellites antenna and solar array deployment the xatcobeo project which includes the mechanisms dealt with here is principally a university project to design and construct a cubesat 1u type satellite. This deployment mechanism is a part that must be defined by the user because it will be used for mission dependent tasks or other purposes. The exa dsa 1a titanium deployable solar array for 1u is the entry level product of a family of deployable solar arrays based on artificial muscles for cubesats in the range of 1u to 6u. Naval research laboratory nrl has invented a nichrome burn wire mechanism for these cubesats as they re called to deploy something once in orbit.

The panels come in 1 6u size with sun and temperature sensors and other custom options available on request.