Engineering topics
Lytal, Paul
Publications and source records attributed to Lytal, Paul.
Spacecraft Common Deployable Boom Hinge Deploy and Latching Mechanisms
JPL is developing deployable radio frequency (RF) reflector booms for spaceflight usage on two different earth orbiter projects scheduled to launch in the early 2020’s. The static alignment and thermal stability requirements for these RF reflector booms are challenging. A common mechanism design has been developed for the deployment and latching of boom hinges which avoids significant parasitic loads on the alignment critical structures after completion of mechanism function. The mechanism design includes a high-aspect ratio torsion spring with viscous damper for hinge closure as well as an actuator-driven flexured hook and roller latch for joint preloading. This paper describes noteworthy mechanism design details, test results, challenges, and lessons learned during the development effort.
Spacecraft Power Source Installation at Launch Complex
For certain space missions, an assembly must be integrated onto the spacecraft as late as possible in the launch vehicle processing flow. 12This late integration can be driven for a variety of reasons including thermal or hazardous materials constraints. This paper discusses the process of integrating an assembly onto a spacecraft as late as one week prior to the opening of the launch window. Consideration is given to achieving sufficient access for hardware integration, methods of remotely securing hardware to the spacecraft, maintaining spacecraft cleanliness throughout the integration process, and electrically integrating the component to the spacecraft. Specific examples are taken from the remote mechanical, electrical, and fluid cooling system integration of the power source onto the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Rover at the Atlas V Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.