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Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
NASA is seeking innovative solutions for a synchronized antenna deployment system. The primary objective is to develop a mechanism that ensures sequential deployment of antenna panels, addressing a critical aspect of space-based communication technology.
In this challenge, participants were tasked with designing a mechanism that will release hexagonal panels in a predetermined sequence. Specifically, the mechanism should trigger the release of the next hexagon in a stack only after the previous one has successfully latched into place. This sequential deployment is crucial for maintaining the antenna's structural integrity and operational efficiency.
The proposed designs needed to be compatible with one of the winning latch designs from the previous "Let's Connect" challenge. Additionally, they must integrate seamlessly with the provided backing structure model without compromising the parabolic surface of the antenna. Participants were directed to focus on creating a solution that is both effective and adaptable to existing NASA technologies.
Under "Starburst: A Revolutionary Under-Constrained Adaptable Deployable Structure Architecture" we have a unique approach that can deploy antennas to much higher accuracies than ever before. It consists of deploying a series of hexagons to form a parabola.
This challenge could result in concepts for a system that will release the hexagons in the stack one at a time, after the previous hexagon is deployed and no longer moving.
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