Developmental Researches on the Lightweight Structure for Future Satellite in the National Development Agency of Japan

Abstract

In recent years we are making some developmental studies on lightweight spacecraft structure and several lightweight components in National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). Presented here are the test results of the structural components which were made of graphite fiber reinforced composites, carbon fiber reinforced composites, and aluminum alloy plate and honeycomb core, etc. We describe the three items as well as the manufacturing process. First, graphite-epoxy tube trusses were manufactured and tested for use as struts and main frames of the satellite structure. Second, lightweight honeycomb panels were designed and fabricated to provide spacecraft structural components which are used as some equipment panels or stiffened panels. Third, lightweight solar panel was developed and tested for 3-axis stabilized spacecraft with sunoriented solar arrays which are expected to meet the power requirement of more than 1.8 kW. The panel has successfully been tested under acoustic noise environment, thermal cycling, and sinusoidal vibration, and thus qualified for space applicability.