Engineering Commons^™

Deployable Solar Array Structure: G1:3, Daniel Bain, Craig Patton, Andrew Tendean

Senior Design Project For Engineers

This design project is in response to an AIAA RFP (Request-For-Proposal) to build a compact, durable, non-hinged solar array to be deployed from a spacecraft on its way from the Earth to Mars. The solar array structures are used to provide the continual supply of power to operate onboard equipment. A large array will be required but must fit within the fairing of the launch vehicle. Origami principles will be utilized to fit the given constrained stored volume of 10 cm³ while satisfying the power requirements and avoiding structural complications due to tight folds.