If you have looked at the details of a Starlink satellite, you should noticed the large folded solar panels. ISS also used such folded solar arrays. However, for the last 5 years, more and more roll out solar arrays are installed on the ISS. This made me think of LEO communication satellites that utilizes the roll out solar array technology.
The satellites would be carried to orbit like scrolls of the ancient times. Once in orbit, the scrolls would unfurl. The array does not need any motor to unfurl. This is achieved using the potential energy stored in the booms that is released as each boom transitions from a coil shape to a straight support arm. The solar wings are then deployed due to strain energy in rolled booms that are present at the two ends of the structure.
Each satellite would have two scrolls, one for the solar array and the other for the multi band antenna array. Between these two scrolls would be a large cylinder that contain the central control unit. The control unit will accommodate the necessary electronics for the satellite as well as hydrogen nickel batteries for the backup power. The pressurized hydrogen will also be used in the ion thruster of the satellite. The scrolls will be attached to the central control unit via 2 axis motorized rods. Therefore, solar panel array and the antenna array would be independently rotated in 2 axes negating the need for using propellent to orient these arrays.
The objective of this design is to lower the weight and volume of a LEO communication satellite and reduce propellent consumption to extend the operational life of the satellite.
No comments :
Post a Comment