Solar Array and High Gain Antenna Deployment Mechanisms of the STEREO Observatory

Abstract

[Abstract] The Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) is the third mission in NASA’s Solar TErrestrial Probes program. The mission’s goal is to capture 3-D images of the Sun to study the nature of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). STEREO was launched on a single Boeing Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, on October 25, 2006. This paper describes the solar arrays and high gain antenna (HGA) deployment mechanisms of the STEREO observatory. The first section focuses on the solar array mechanism design, pre-load interface design, integration to the spacecraft, and actuator problems encountered in ground testing. The second section focuses on the HGA deployment mechanism design and a description of the actuator of separation point. Lastly, lessons learned on the STEREO mechanisms are discussed.