Mechanical qualification testing of SMOS payload module
- Paper number
IAC-06-C2.1.06
- Author
Mr. Jose Bajo, EADS CASA Espacio, Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Miguel A. Plaza, EADS CASA Espacio, Spain
- Coauthor
Mr. Miguel A. Gil, EADS CASA Espacio, Spain
- Year
2006
- Abstract
SMOS is ESA`s Earth Explorer satellite with the objective of producing global maps of Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) over the Earth. The MIRAS is the only instrument on-board and it is an imaging radiometer with aperture synthesis. EADS CASA Espacio Spain is the Prime contractor for SMOS Payload Module (PLM). The Structural and Thermal Model (STM) was qualified during 2005. The Flight Model is being integrated and it will be ready for testing by end of July 2006. Launch date is expected in September of 2007. The PLM, all in carbon fiber, consists of a central structure and three deployable arms of 3.3 m length, each of which has three segments. During launch these arms are folded-up, and in orbit they are released by means of pyro devices and deployed via a system of spring motors, synchronisation cables and speed regulators. An extensive qualification program has been performed on the first model of the PLM, the STM (Structural and Thermal Model). Tests have been driven under EADS CASA Espacio responsibility and performed both in our company and ESA tests facilities. All testing activities was successfully performed not only in terms of a tight schedule scenario but also in terms of the results. Analysis predictions was in line with the obtained test data consolidating in that way, the design concept of the PLM. This paper presents a summary of the results for the main mechanical tests performed on this STM model : o Hold-down Pyro Shock test o Functional Deployment test o Deployed Modal test o Sine test o Acoustic test Lessons learnt from shock tests provide confirmation for the attenuation devices implemented to preserve some critical electronic units from pyro-shock events; functional tests verified the overall kinematics and dynamics of the deployment such as the initial transient, speed control, synchronisation and particularly, deployment angle and repeatability; acoustic test results established the usefulness of the analysis predictions by the use of the AUTOSEA code software that allowed to derive from an Acoustic environment a set of Random Vibrations Profiles outputs ,which main purpose was to define the applicable mechanical environmental specification to the electronic units. Sine tests results, as previously mentioned, was in line with the analysis predictions not only in terms of stiffness but also in terms of amplification factors and accelerations providing , as a final conclusion, the robustness of the overall mechanical concept of the PLM.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C2.1.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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