AbstractAs the performance of space based astrophysics observatories is directly limited by the size of the spacecraft and the telescope it carries, current missions are reaching the limit of the launchers’ capabilities. Before considering to develop larger launchers or to implement formation flying missions or in orbit assembly, the possibility of deploying structures once in orbit is an appealing solution. This paper describes the different technologies currently available to develop deployable structures, with an emphasis on those that can allow achieving long focal lengths. The review of these technologies is followed by a comparison of their performance and a list of trade-off parameters to be considered before selecting the most appropriate solution for a given application. Additionally, a preliminary structural analysis was performed on a typical deployable structure, applied to the case of a mission requiring a 20m focal length extension. The results show that by using several deployable masts, it is possible to build stiff deployed structures with eigen frequencies over 1Hz. Finally, a discussion on metrology concepts is provided, as knowledge of the relative position between the telescope and the deployed focal plane instruments is critical.


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    Title :

    A review on large deployable structures for astrophysics missions


    Contributors:
    Puig, L. (author) / Barton, A. (author) / Rando, N. (author)

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 67 , 1-2 ; 12-26


    Publication date :

    2010-02-22


    Size :

    15 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :

    Deployable structures , Focal length extension , Astrophysics missions , ADAM , able deployable articulated mast , AIV , assembly integration and verification , AO , adaptative optics , AOCS , attitude and orbit control system , CDF , concurrent design facility , CFRP , carbon fiber reinforced plastic , CM , centre of mass , CP , centre of pressure , CTE , coefficient of thermal expansion , ESA , European Space Agency , ESTEC , European Space Research and TEchnology Centre , CTM , collapside tube mast , FAST , folding articulated square truss , FE , finite element , FIRI , far infra red interferometer , FOV , field of view , HALCA , Highly Advanced Laboratory for Communications and Astronomy , HST , Hubble space telescope , IR , infra red , ISIS , inflatable sunshield in space , ISO , International Space Observatory , ISS , International Space Station , IXO , Intermational X-ray Observatory , JAXA , Japanese Aerospace eXploration Agency , JWST , James Webb Space Telescope , MLI , multi-layer insulation , MSS , mobile servicing system , NASA , National Aeronautics and Space Administration , NIR , near infra red , PSD , position sensitive device , PSF , point spread function , RF , radio frequency , SFE , surface figure error , SIM , space interferometry mission , SMC , shape memory composite , SRTM , shuttle radar topographic mission , TPF-I , terrestrial planet finder-interferometer , TRL , technology readiness level , WFS , wave front sensing , XMM , X-ray multi-mirror mission