Advanced Spacecraft Mechanisms Work at the USAF Research Laboratory

Abstract

Spacecraft require a variety of mechanisms to accomplish mission related functions such as deployment, articulation, and positioning of spacecraft structures and instruments. Suitable devices, using proven technologies, are available off-the-shelf. However, increasingly stringent weight, power, accuracy and other requirements for future satellites will exceed the capability of devices built with current technologies. This paper summarizes several innovative technologies that the Air Force Research Laboratory is researching to produce more efficient and accurate spacecraft mechanisms. These technologies include shape memory actuators, lightweight solar arrays, precision gimbals, magnetic bearings and robotics. Several mechanisms developed in these programs are scheduled for space flight demonstrations in 1998, 1999 and 2001.