A novel design of CubeSat deployment system for transformable structures

Abstract

One of the challenges of nanosatellites use is the limited payload volume. In this regard, transformable structures are frequently used in the development of nanosatellites. Most modern deployment mechanisms are based on thread burning. However, they have a significant disadvantage, which consists in a difficult procedure of thread replacement. The paper presents the novel design of a deployment system for CubeSat nanosatellites, which is based on Rose's alloy. In the “cold” state, the Rose's alloy holds the deployable structure in a closed position, and when temperature reaches 92–98° Celsius, the alloy melts and a structure deploys. On the basis of the experiments, the required heating power for deployment was determined. The heating time and kinematic characteristics of the system were also estimated experimentally. Our paper presents electronic circuitry and the deployment algorithm of the proposed system. We also consider abnormal operation of the deployment system. In addition, a set of environmental tests was carried out: thermal tests, vacuum tests, vibration and shock tests. The proposed system has successfully passed all the experiments and will be launched to space in 2022.