Structural Stability Assessment of the High Frequency Antenna for Use on the Buccaneer CubeSat in Low Earth Orbit

Abstract

The Buccaneer CubeSat will be fitted with a high frequency antenna made from spring steel measuring tape. The geometry of the antenna is described as open bowtie. In the microgravity of low Earth orbit there is a risk that the antenna will collapse or bend due to the extremely small loads. Worst case empirical analysis has shown that the antenna will remain deployed in low Earth orbit. This has been shown in the presence of worst case environmental loads due to aerodynamic drag (at 300km) and solar radiation pressure, combined with peak rotational accelerations. The high frequency open bowtie antenna will have a margin of safety of at least 54.8.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA607994

Entities

People

  • Iain Cartwright

Organizations

  • Defence Science and Technology Group

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Drag
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Bending Moments
  • Cantilever Beams
  • Control Systems
  • Earth Orbits
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Margin Of Safety
  • National Security
  • Orbits
  • Safety
  • Safety Factor
  • Solar Radiation
  • Spacecraft
  • Structural Loads
  • Surveillance

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris