Implementation of heaters on thermally actuated spacecraft mechanisms
Abstract
This paper presents general insight into the design and implementation of heaters as used in actuating mechanisms for spacecraft. Problems and considerations that were encountered during development of the Deep Space Probe and Science Experiment (DSPSE) solar array release mechanism are discussed. Obstacles included large expected fluctuations in ambient temperature, variations in voltage supply levels outgassing concerns, heater circuit design, materials selection, and power control options. Successful resolution of these issues helped to establish a methodology which can be applied to many of the heater design challenges found in thermally actuated mechanisms.
- Publication:
-
28th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium
- Pub Date:
- May 1994
- Bibcode:
- 1994aeme.symp..379B
- Keywords:
-
- Actuators;
- Heaters;
- Shape Memory Alloys;
- Solar Arrays;
- Spaceborne Experiments;
- Spacecraft Equipment;
- Temperature Effects;
- Bolts;
- Deep Space;
- Space Probes;
- Spacecraft Design, Testing and Performance