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Completed TRL 4 (started at 1, targeting 4)
The internal volume within a small satellite, such as a CubeSat, is very limited and all reasonable efforts should be made to minimize component sizes and maximize volume for the science instrument and/or extra capability. When considering deployables for these satellites, one challenge has been finding a reliable COTS release mechanism that will have minimal impact on the internal volume. This proposal looks to address this need by investigating the feasibility of a miniature release mechanism by designing, building, and testing a prototype.
The objective is to design, build and functionally test a miniature release mechanism for CubeSats and other small satellites. The WFF 6U satellite structure will be used as the baseline design reference. Design goals for the unit include: Low cost Non-explosive, low release energy Packaging height target of 0.25 inches or less Two fault tolerance initiation Resettable and usable for at least 10 cycles Low power
Design would be available for use by funded NASA missions willing to qualify the design for their purposes.
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