Ultra-light Weight Inflatable Actuated Rod for Antenna Extendable Along Spin Axis
- Paper number
IAC-06-C2.P.1.10
- Author
Mr. Kazuki Watanabe, WEL Research Co., Ltd., Japan
- Coauthor
Dr. Ken Higuchi, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan
- Coauthor
Mr. Akihito Watanabe, Japan
- Coauthor
Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, Japan
- Coauthor
Dr. Hiroaki Tsunoda, Japan
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Space inflatable structure is expected to enhance the structural performance in terms of lighter weight and easier packaging in comparison with conventional mechanism-based structures. A Space Inflatable Actuated Rod (SPINAR) is being developed for being applied as a sensor to investigate the radio and plasma environment around the earth. SPINAR is required to be extended to 5 meters along the spin axis of both top and bottom direction of the satellite that is spun in 20 rpm. This satellite system is composed of 4 small satellites and 1 mother satellite for measuring the space environments as the three dimensional data in a wide range by flying in formation on orbit. This long 10 meters (as a whole) sensor must be designed to be as light as possible to minimize the influence on the attitude control of small satellite and also to withstand the centrifugal force that is generated by the spin rate and misalignment. SPINAR mainly consists of inflatable tube and open section extendable rod and it could realize the only 8 grams per meter in weight. The prototype model, which can meet the requirements of the satellite system, was designed and manufactured. This model was examined by the microgravity environmental test using airplane parabolic flight and evaluated by the dynamic analysis with satellite based on this experimental result. As the results of this evaluation, it was confirmed that this simple and ultra-light weight rod would be applicable for this satellite sensor.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C2.P.1.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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