PEZ Expanding Cube Sat Capabilities through Innovative Mechanism

PEZ: Expanding Cube. Sat Capabilities through Innovative Mechanism Design Author/Presenter: Tyler Murphy Adviser: Chris Koehler 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium 1

The Cube. Sat Conundrum Advantages • Common & standardized package • Allows for on orbit testing of small components and scientific payloads • Launch opportunities Disadvantages • Fixed amount of external surface area • Power limited • Scientific view factor limited 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium 2

The Payload Extension Zone (PEZ) • Concept of expanding to increase external surface area • In stowed configuration conforms to Cube. Sat Specifications • Deployed to provide additional capabilities 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium 3

Restraint & Activation • Need to keep the PEZ in the launch configuration until P-POD deployment • Main Restraint and activation provided by Mini-Frangibolt • Solar arrays constrained by two types of clips and 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium 4

Mechanical Deployment • Utilizes a pair of constant force springs • Springs under tension during launch • Once Mini-Frangibolt releases, springs will naturally retract 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium 5

Mechanical Deployment • The solar arrays are released when the PEZ begins to deploy • Clips attached to PEZ release one end • Rotating clips release the other end • Torsional springs provide force to open arrays 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium 6

Locking Mechanisms • Spring plungers are utilized to lock the PEZ in place • Integrated hard stops have been designed into the solar array hinges • Torsional springs hold the solar arrays against these hard stops 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium 7

Benefits to the Cube. Sat Designer • Doubles the solar array area • From 159 in 2 to 318 in 2 • Still allows for a 75 in 2 of external surface area for scientific missions 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium 8

Questions? 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium 9