Author(s)

P. Coste, G. Cautain, I. Vial-Bardin & C. Bousquet

Abstract

To validate the complex in-flight deployment of the new SPOT solar array, a mix of accurate simulations and ground tests was required. We describe in this paper the activities performed at MATRA MARCONI Space to predict the kinematics and dynamics of the deployment with special emphasis on the ground tests which were conducted to validate our prediction models. The successful in-flight deployment of a solar array of the same design has confirmed the validity of our analyses. 1 Introduction For the new series of SPOT platforms, including the platform used for the SPOT4 satellite, a new type of solar array has been developed by Aerospatiale. This solar array uses a deployment technique which allows an unregulated, passive deployment for complex array configurations. The overall array co

Keywords