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| Lightweight Flexible Solar Array Hinge |
| In-Cabin |
| Prime: Michel Tognini |
| Backup: Cady Coleman |
| Overview |
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The Lightweight Flexible Solar Array Hinge (LFSAH) consists of several hinges fabricated from shape-memory alloys, which allow controlled, shockless deployment of solar arrays and other spacecraft appendages. LFSAH will demonstrate the deployment capability of a number of hinge configurations on STS-93. The experiment is contained in a single enclosure that requires 28-volt dc external power. The hinges are actuated by serial activation of front-panel switches. LFSAH operations are monitored and displayed on front-panel digital displays. Data are logged on a self-contained system and videotaped on a standard 8-mm camcorder. Hinges are the primary mechanism used to deploy spacecraft solar arrays, which are folded and stowed for launch. Once the spacecraft is released into orbit, these solar array systems are deployed, or unfolded, and used to generate power for the spacecraft. Flight testing of the hinges provides an opportunity to evaluate various configurations in a realistic environment and allows investigators to verify mechanical design data and evaluate the dynamic properties of the hinges. LFSAH consists of six hinges made of shape-memory alloys (SMA). The key advantages of SMA hinges over other hinges include low-shock controlled deployment, fewer parts, lighter weight, higher reliability, and ease of production and assembly. The LFSAH experiment on STS-93 will test this technology in a weightless environment before it is used in future spacecraft, including the New Millennium Earth Observer 1 (EO-1) experiment and the Deep Space 3 (DS3) space vehicle. The Lightweight Flexible Solar Array Hinge experiment is sponsored by the Air Force Research Lab, Kirtland AFB, N.M. The experiment is integrated and flown under the direction of the DOD Space Test Program Office at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Tex. |
| History/Background |
| The new hinges could lower spacecraft costs and prevent damage during deployment in space. |
Editorial/Technical Comments: ShuttlePresskit
