Deployment/retraction ground testing of a large flexible solar array

Technical Report · Sat May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982

OSTI ID:6443646

Chung, D T

The simulated zero-gravity ground testing of the flexible fold-up solar array consisting of eighty-four full-size panels (.368 m x .4 m each) is addressed. Automatic, hands-off extension, retraction, and lockup operations are included. Three methods of ground testing were investigated: (1) vertical testing, (2) horizontal testing, using an overhead water trough to support the panels, and (3) horizontal testing, using an overhead track in conjunction with a counterweight system to support the panels. Method 3 was selected as baseline. The wing/assembly vertical support structure, the five-tier overhead track, and the mast-element support track comprise the test structure. The flexible solar array wing assembly was successfully extended and retracted numerous times under simulated zero-gravity conditions.

• Research Organization: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Inc., Sunnyvale, CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6443646
• Report Number(s): N-82-23361
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
AIRCRAFT
DRAWING
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
LAUNCHING
MATERIALS WORKING
ORBITAL SOLAR POWER PLANTS
POSITIONING
POWER PLANTS
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SPACE SHUTTLES
SPACE VEHICLES
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
TESTING
VEHICLES
WEIGHTLESSNESS