The role of ground testing in a structural failure experienced during the launch of the ALEXIS small satellite
A video recording of the launch of the ALEXIS satellite on April 25, 1993 clearly showed that one of the four deployable solar paddles had mechanically separated from the satellite. A study was performed to determine whether the anomalous separation was caused by a mechanical failure and, if so, which components failed and what events led to the failure. From the study it became obvious that the failure was mechanical in nature, and was related to some design weaknesses and the testing sequence to which the solar paddle and associated hardware had been exposed prior to launch. Results of the study showed that the attachment hardware associated with this particular solar paddle was damaged during random vibration tests compromising its load carrying capability. Some relatively simple changes to the method with which structural analysis and testing were approached for the ALEXIS satellite are proposed. These changes will ensure that the chance for such failures to occur on future small satellite missions will be minimized.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 10172285
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-94-2454; CONF-9410162-1; ON: DE94016155
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Institute of Environmental Sciences meeting,Los Angeles, CA (United States),10-12 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: [1994]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
On orbit performance of the ALEXIS EUV telescopes
The ALEXIS mission recovery