Deployment/retraction mechanism for solar maximum mission high gain antenna system

A mechanism called a deployment/retraction assembly (DRA) which provides not only a stable, but a deployable platform for the high gain antenna system (HGAS) aboard the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) spacecraft is described. The DRA also has the capability to retract the system upon command

Fabrication of carbon film composites for high-strength structures

Physical and mechanical properties of fiber composite materials consisting of carbon films are described. Application of carbon film structural composites for constructing microwave filters or optical instruments is proposed. Applications in aerospace and architectural structures for high strength and low density properties are discussed

Physical properties of thin films

Studies and experiments are presented on carbon, boron, aluminum oxide, zirconium silicate, aluminum, and titanium vapor-deposited on polyimide film substrates

Axisymmetric and cylindrical isostable structures - A concept

Mathematical formulation, suitable for analytical design of structural networks with uniform local stability, yields idealized solutions for specific two-family networks

Large diameter astromast development, phase 1

Coilable-longeron lattice columns called Astromasts (trademark) were manufactured for a variety of spacecraft missions. These flight structures varied in diameter from 0.2 to 0.5 meter (9 to 19 in.), and the longest Astromast of this type deploys to a length of 30 meters (100 feet). A double-laced diagonal Astromast design referred to as the Supermast (trademark) which, because it has shorter baylengths than an Astromast, is approximately four times as strong. The longeron cross section and composite material selection for these structures are limited by the maximum strain associated with stowage and deployment. As a result, future requirements for deployable columns with high stiffness and strength require the development of both structures in larger diameters. The design, development, and manufacture of a 6.1-m-long (20-ft), 0.75-m-diameter (30-in.), double-laced diagonal version of the Astromast is described

Axisymmetric and cylindrical isostabiloids

Differential equations for compression loaded axisymmetric cylindrical structure

Axisymmetric filamentary structures

Axisymmetric filamentary structure

Extravehicular activity translation arm (EVATA) study

The preliminary design of a deployable Extravehicular Activity Translation Arm (EVATA) assembly which will allow an EVA crewman to perform tasks in the vicinity of the External TNK (ET) umbilical doors and to inspect most of the underside of the shuttle spacecraft is reported. The concept chosen for the boom structure was the Astro Extendable Support Structure (ESS) which formed the main structure for the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Antenna System on the SEASAT A spacecraft. This structure is a deployable triangular truss. A comparison of the EVATA and the SEASAT A ESS is shown. The development of status of the ESS is shown. The satellite configuration, the stowed truss load path, and the envelope deployment sequence for the ESS are also shown

Spoked wheels to deploy large surfaces in space-weight estimates for solar arrays

Extensible booms were used to deploy and support solar cell arrays of varying areas. Solar cell array systems were built with one or two booms to deploy and tension a blanket with attached cells and bussing. A segmented and hinged rim supported by spokes joined to a common hub is described. This structure can be compactly packaged and deployed

Nuclear Gamma-Radiation of Cu61

The positron spectrum of Cu61 has been examined recently by Cook and Langer with a large magnetic spectrometer. The experimental curves of these authors show a deviation from the Fermi distribution which is much larger than for Cu64 and it seems possible that not all of this deviation arises from the instrumental factors. It is pointed out by different authors that Cu61 does not emit nuclear gamma-rays which means that the spectrum of Cu61 must be simple. On the other hand the measurements of Cook and Langer can hardly be understood without the assumption of a complex spectrum. To examine this discrepancy, we started a search for gamma-radiation in Cu61