Description
The objective of the activity is to develop and test a multifunctional hinge technology to accommodate a large multi panel active antenna array on a spacecraft platform, with integrated sensing to avoid adverse local deflections due to spacecraft dynamics.Targeted Improvements:Enabling technology for very large active antennas with disperse panels to be accommodated on a spacecraft platformfor future 5G/6G (direct to handheld) satellitesDescription:Particularly for large active antennas, unique hinge solutions are necessary to accommodate many panels in a launcher. Conventional hinge solutions (e.g., fixed axis without integrated harness), are not considered feasible for very high numbers of active antenna panels. The proposed activity would develop a hinge compatible with the needs for large active spacecraft 5G/6G antenna arrays, for direct to handheld. The activity will take a multifunctional approach to address the problem areas including how to stow/deploy the necessary panels on the S/C, how to transfer the electrical power and signals, how to optimise the stiffness / thermal stability and monitor the position to maintain the necessary array flatness. Thus, a multifunctional hinge concept able to provide the necessary deployment, whilst also integrating electrical transfer and the ability to sense deformations at array level is considered an enabling technology in this domain. This activity encompasses the following task outline:- Perform literature review to elaborate large active array system needs- Perform system analysis to generate refine hinge level requirements- Preliminary design of Multifunctional Hinge, ending with trade-off to down select a baseline and backup-Detailed design of Multifunctional Hinge Development Models- Manufacturing of Multifunctional Hinge Development Models- Test campaign of Multifunctional Hinge Development Models (including mechanical and electrical)- Summary of verified performance and future development plan