Analysis and test methods for large deployable space structures

Abstract

This paper describes deployment analysis, test methods and results for a large aperture modular mesh deployable antenna reflector. The reflector will be installed on the Engineering Test Satellite VIII, which will be launched in 2003. Two kinds of development models are considered in this paper. One is a full-scale, fourteen modules engineering model, the other is a half-scale, seven modules flight model for in-orbit experiments by ARIANE 5. Some important items to be considered for the design and evaluation of large deployable reflectors are described. Typical results gained with our analysis tool SPADE for large deployable space structures are discussed. They include redundant constraints, ground testing contingency mode, and mesh behavior. Essential items in the design and evaluation of LDR for ETS-VIII were considered. Resultant deployment characteristics obtained by deployment analysis are correlated to the results of ground deployment testing. Micro-gravity experiments in a jet-airplane were performed to eliminate the ambiguity discovered in a deployment analysis. We proposed a modularized test method for large deployable space structures. Limitation of the analysis are clarified.