Modular and Scalable Boom Deployment Mechanism for Deployment and Retraction of up to Four CTMs

Kurzfassung

As a result of its many years of experience in deployable masts and their deployment control mechanisms, DLR has developed a new generation of deployment mechanisms for its in-house manufactures CTMs (Collapsible Tubular Masts). These mechanisms are characterized by a modular setup and geometric scalability. This allows for the realization of 4-mast deployment modules for solar sails as well as 2-mast modules for solar arrays or a 1-mast module for Magnetometer-booms with the very same basic concept. The modularity is achieved by a central boom hub including integrated drive and sensors (core-module). This hub can accommodate up to four masts, each of which then requires an attachable guide-module. By using different mast cross-sections and lengths, core and guide modules can easily be adapted to different size requirements. Furthermore, the new concept has a very rare feature: it can not only extend the masts but also retract them in a controlled manner. This allows for different mission approaches, offers more possibilities for mitigation of deployment errors in orbit and simplifies the testing and integration of the systems on ground. The new concept and first test results from the prototype will be part of the planned presentation. Therefore, deployment and retraction behavior as well as load carrying capability of the combination of booms and mechanism will be given.