Autonomous Satellite Solar Array Deployment Using Adaptive Squib Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellites often face delays in deploying solar arrays after launch, relying on ground control which can be time-consuming and unreliable, especially when communication limitations or power issues arise, leading to inefficient energy conversion and potential deployment failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an autonomous solar array deployment system using a squib controller that varies the firing sequence of pyrotechnic squibs to autonomously deploy solar arrays post-launch, allowing for quick and reliable deployment without ground intervention, adapting to unforeseen events and ensuring timely energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar arrays are deployed using ground control operators, then deployment can be performed with simple onboard systems, but deployment time is significantly delayed and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array deployment system performs self-service through an autonomous control system that monitors sensor data and automatically controls squib firing sequences without requiring ground control intervention. The processor executes deployment algorithms based on onboard sensor inputs, enabling the system to deploy solar arrays independently, which eliminates communication delays and improves both reliability and speed of deployment.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar arrays are kept in folded stowed configuration, then volumetric impact to launch vehicle is minimized and arrays are protected from launch forces, but power generation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array system is segmented into multiple deployable panels that can be folded into a compact stowed configuration during launch to minimize volumetric impact. After launch, these segmented panels are automatically unfolded and deployed using squib-controlled mechanisms, transforming from a compact low-volume state to a large surface area configuration for power generation, thus resolving the contradiction between launch volume constraints and operational power generation requirements.
3Productivity
If autonomous deployment system is implemented, then deployment speed and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous deployment system replaces complex mechanical deployment mechanisms with a simplified pyrotechnic squib system controlled by an electronic processor. Instead of using complex mechanical actuators and motors, the system uses squibs that fire in predetermined sequences based on sensor inputs, reducing mechanical complexity while improving deployment speed and reliability through electronic control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, reliable, and fault-tolerant solar array deployment, reducing reliance on ground control and minimizing delays, ensuring continuous power generation and increased mission reliability by adapting to deployment challenges.
Implementation Method 1
Some spacecraft, such as satellites, employ solar arrays (e.g., solar panel arrays, foldable solar panel arrays, etc.) to convert radiant energy into electrical energy.
Implementation Method 2
a squib controller to control the ignition of the squibs based on a firing sequence of the squibs, where the squib controller is to vary the firing sequence to autonomously deploy the solar array
Data Source
AI summary
Satellites having autonomously deployable solar arrays are disclosed. A disclosed example satellite includes a solar array, a sensor to detect that the satellite has exited a launch vehicle, a processor to, based on the satellite exiting the launch vehicle, enable release of magnets or locks of an array, a release controller to control the release of the magnets or the locks of the array based on a release sequence to autonomously deploy the solar array, and a sequence analyzer to adapt the release sequence during execution of the release sequence, wherein adapting the release sequence includes changing an order in which the magnets or the locks of the array are released based on a degree to which the solar array is unfolded.