Session
Technical Session VII: 12th Annual Frank J. Redd Student Competition
Abstract
The Local Ionospheric Measurements Satellite (LionSat) is an ionospheric investigation nanosatellite that is being developed by an interdisciplinary team of students at The Pennsylvania State University. As part of its primary science mission, the satellite will be used to examine the plasma environment surrounding it via a set of plasma probes. These probes extend linearly on booms from the midsection of the satellite and must remain in a stowed, locked position during launch. This paper discusses the design and fabrication of an electrically actuated pin-puller used to secure the booms in the spacecraft that makes use of Nickel–Titanium (NiTi) memory alloy. The pin-puller design should be of particular interest to other low-cost small satellites.
Presentation Slides
An Electrically Actuated Pin-Puller for Space Application using Nickel- Titanium Memory Alloy
The Local Ionospheric Measurements Satellite (LionSat) is an ionospheric investigation nanosatellite that is being developed by an interdisciplinary team of students at The Pennsylvania State University. As part of its primary science mission, the satellite will be used to examine the plasma environment surrounding it via a set of plasma probes. These probes extend linearly on booms from the midsection of the satellite and must remain in a stowed, locked position during launch. This paper discusses the design and fabrication of an electrically actuated pin-puller used to secure the booms in the spacecraft that makes use of Nickel–Titanium (NiTi) memory alloy. The pin-puller design should be of particular interest to other low-cost small satellites.
