Session
Technical Session XI: Advanced Subsystems and Components II
Abstract
Small satellites require a variety of release devices to accomplish mission-related functions such as separation from the launch vehicle, separation from each other, and deployment of instruments. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has been working with several private companies to develop low shock, nonpyrotechnic spacecraft release devices to mitigate problems with traditional pyrotechnic release devices. Pyrotechnic devices produce high shock, contamination, and have costly handling requirements due to their hazardous nature. Small satellites are particularly susceptible to shock-related failure because of the close proximity of sensors and instruments to the shock source. In addition, small satellites deployed as constellations may experience multiple release shocks from adjoining satellites prior to their own deployment. AFRL has arranged two successful flights for low shock separation devices: the Shape Memory Alloy Release Device (SMARD) experiment on MightySat I in May 1999, and the deployment of the Air Force Academy FalconSat spacecraft from the Orbital Sub-Orbital Program Space Launch Vehicle (OSP-I) in January 00. Two on-going AFRL programs, EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) and the University NanoSat Program, will employ low shock separation systems as well.
Development and Transition of Low-Shock Spacecraft Release Devices for Small Satellites
Small satellites require a variety of release devices to accomplish mission-related functions such as separation from the launch vehicle, separation from each other, and deployment of instruments. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has been working with several private companies to develop low shock, nonpyrotechnic spacecraft release devices to mitigate problems with traditional pyrotechnic release devices. Pyrotechnic devices produce high shock, contamination, and have costly handling requirements due to their hazardous nature. Small satellites are particularly susceptible to shock-related failure because of the close proximity of sensors and instruments to the shock source. In addition, small satellites deployed as constellations may experience multiple release shocks from adjoining satellites prior to their own deployment. AFRL has arranged two successful flights for low shock separation devices: the Shape Memory Alloy Release Device (SMARD) experiment on MightySat I in May 1999, and the deployment of the Air Force Academy FalconSat spacecraft from the Orbital Sub-Orbital Program Space Launch Vehicle (OSP-I) in January 00. Two on-going AFRL programs, EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) and the University NanoSat Program, will employ low shock separation systems as well.
