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Deployable Solar Sail System

The proposal outlines the development of a Deployable Solar Sail system designed to propel 8U satellites using solar radiation pressure, featuring a compact storage design of 2U and a deployed area of 9 m². Key components include a robust deployment mechanism, lightweight materials, and high reflectivity to maximize propulsion efficiency. The project aims to enhance small satellite capabilities for long-duration missions without the need for onboard propellant.

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5 views

Deployable Solar Sail System

The proposal outlines the development of a Deployable Solar Sail system designed to propel 8U satellites using solar radiation pressure, featuring a compact storage design of 2U and a deployed area of 9 m². Key components include a robust deployment mechanism, lightweight materials, and high reflectivity to maximize propulsion efficiency. The project aims to enhance small satellite capabilities for long-duration missions without the need for onboard propellant.

Uploaded by

nadamohamed2012002
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Proposal for the Development of a Deployable Solar Sail System

Introduction

The Deployable Solar Sail system is an innovative solution to provide propulsion for satellites
using solar radiation pressure. This project proposes the design and development of a
Deployable Solar Sail with a deployed area of approximately 9 m² (3 m × 3 m) to propel an 8U
satellite with a maximum mass of 10 kg. The solar sail will be confined within a 2U volume (10
cm × 10 cm × 20 cm) during storage, ensuring compactness and compatibility with CubeSat
standards.

This system leverages sustainable propulsion technology by utilizing sunlight for momentum
transfer, making it ideal for long-duration missions without requiring onboard propellant.

Project Description

The Deployable Solar Sail system will consist of a storage enclosure, a robust deployment
mechanism, and a large reflective sail. The primary goals of the system include:

1. Compact Design:

○ Confining the entire system within 2U (10 cm × 10 cm × 20 cm) when stowed.


2. Lightweight Construction:

○ Minimize the system mass to align with CubeSat weight constraints.


3. Large Surface Area:

○ Deploy a sail with a total area of 9 m² (3 m × 3 m) to generate sufficient


propulsion for the satellite.
4. Autonomous Deployment:

○ Incorporate a reliable and autonomous deployment mechanism.


5. High Reflectivity:

○ Use reflective materials to maximize efficiency in converting solar radiation


pressure into thrust.

1
Design Requirements

1. System Dimensions:

○ Stowed Volume: 2U (10 cm × 10 cm × 20 cm).


○ Deployed Area: Approximately 9 m².
2. Satellite Integration:

○ Modular and plug-and-play design for seamless integration with an 8U satellite.


3. Deployment Mechanism:

○ A robust and autonomous mechanism to ensure smooth and reliable deployment


of the sail.
4. Sail Material:

○ Lightweight, durable, and highly reflective material (e.g., Mylar or Kapton with a
reflective coating).
5. Structural Components:

○ Lightweight booms to support the sail in deployed configuration.


6. Operational Efficiency:

○ Optimize sail orientation to achieve maximum thrust while maintaining satellite


stability.

Design Features

1. Compact Storage:

○ The sail and deployment system will be housed within a compact 2U enclosure.
2. Reliable Deployment Mechanism:

○ The system will use motorized spools or spring-loaded booms to unfurl the sail.
○ Tensioning mechanisms will ensure the sail remains taut during operation.
3. Material Selection:

○ Reflective Film: High-reflectivity films (e.g., aluminized Mylar or Kapton) to


maximize solar pressure absorption.
○ Boom Material: Lightweight and strong composite materials or aluminum alloys
for structural support.

2
Design and 3D CAD Modeling

1. System Layout:

○ Develop CAD models to optimize the arrangement of the sail and deployment
mechanism within the 2U volume.
2. Sail Deployment Simulation:

○ Simulate deployment dynamics to ensure smooth operation and full extension of


the sail.
3. Structural Analysis:

○ Analyze the structural components and materials to ensure durability under


space conditions.

Bill of Materials (BOM)

The BOM will include:

1. Sail Material:

○ High-reflectivity films (e.g., Mylar or Kapton).


2. Deployment Mechanism:

○ Motors or springs for unfurling the sail.


○ Tensioning components to maintain sail rigidity.
3. Structural Components:

○ Lightweight booms to support the deployed sail.


4. Enclosure Material:

○ Space-grade aluminum or composite materials for the 2U housing.


5. Fasteners and Connectors:

○ Space-grade components for secure assembly and reliable integration.

Additional Task:
For each component, the following details must be obtained:

● Supplier name.

3
● Contact information.
● Pricing and availability.

Development and Testing

1. Prototyping:

○Develop prototypes to validate deployment mechanism performance and sail


material suitability.
2. Deployment Testing:

○ Simulate and test the deployment process under microgravity-like conditions.


3. Structural Validation:

○ Conduct stress testing on the booms and sail to ensure structural integrity during
deployment and operation.
4. Thrust Simulation:

○ Evaluate the propulsion efficiency under simulated solar radiation conditions.


5. Environmental Testing:

○ Perform vibration, vacuum, and radiation tests to ensure reliability in space


conditions.

Expected Deliverables

1. Deployable Solar Sail System:

○ Fully functional system confined within a 2U volume, with reliable deployment of


the 9 m² sail.
2. Validated Deployment Mechanism:

○ Tested and validated mechanism for smooth and autonomous sail deployment.
3. Documentation:

○ Detailed design specifications, CAD models, and testing results.

4
Conclusion

The Deployable Solar Sail system offers a sustainable and efficient propulsion method for 8U
satellites, enabling extended mission durations and maneuverability without onboard propellant.
Its compact design, large reflective area, and autonomous operation make it an ideal solution
for advancing small satellite capabilities while adhering to CubeSat standards.

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