Nanosatellite dipole antenna deployment mechanism

This article discusses the design process of a nanosatellite dipole antenna deployment mechanism with a fusible element. The basic requirements for the mechanism were relative simplicity of design, reliability as well as simplicity of ground testing procedures. Test prototype with one gate of antenna feed deployment mechanism was designed and manufactured for CubeSat format. The test prototype uses principle of fastening with fusible alloys. Rose’s metal is tested as a fusible alloy in this article. The additional circuitry for controlling the flap deployment by measuring the conductivity of the fusible element has also been developed. A set of tests was conducted on the test prototype using a vibration stand and a vacuum chamber, as well as a series of functional tests at atmospheric pressure and at near-vacuum pressure. The problem of separated particles of the Rose’s alloy from the flap during opening is also considered. Particle size and its kinetic energy was assessed.