Design and Manufacturing of a Multifunctional, Highly Integrated Satellite Panel Structure

Kurzfassung

Mass and volume are some of the most important factors to consider in spacecraft design. In order to address these two aspects, a multifunctional highly integrated satellite panel has been developed and built at the Institute of Composite Structures and Adaptive Systems of DLR. By assembling several multifunctional panels to one unit or by combining them with standard satellite structural components, it is possible to build main satellite structures. Five systems which can be necessary for spacecraft operations have been integrated into the panel: a vibration control system; a system of integrated electric circuits for signal and energy transmission; a thermal control system; multifunctional inserts for load transmission, electrical contacting (for data and energy transfer) and thermal conduction as well as an energy storage system based on supercapacitors. By integrating these systems into the panel and thereby adding extra functionalities, it is possible to save mass and provide extra volume for payload or additional subsystems.