1. Author/Presenter: Tyler Murphy Adviser: Chris Koehler
PEZ: Expanding CubeSat Capabilities through Innovative Mechanism Design
Author/Presenter: Tyler Murphy
Adviser: Chris Koehler
2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium

2. 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium
The CubeSat Conundrum
Advantages
Disadvantages
Common & standardized package
Allows for on orbit testing of small components and scientific payloads
Launch opportunities
Fixed amount of external surface area
Power limited
Scientific view factor limited
2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium

3. The Payload Extension Zone (PEZ)
Concept of expanding to increase external surface area
In stowed configuration conforms to CubeSat Specifications
Deployed to provide additional capabilities
PEZ Picture:
2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium

4. Restraint & Activation
Need to keep the PEZ in the launch configuration until P-POD deployment
Main Restraint and activation provided by Mini-Frangibolt
Solar arrays constrained by two types of clips and
2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium

5. Mechanical Deployment
Utilizes a pair of constant force springs
Springs under tension during launch
Once Mini-Frangibolt releases, springs will naturally retract
Constant Force Spring Picture:
2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium

6. Mechanical Deployment
The solar arrays are released when the PEZ begins to deploy
Clips attached to PEZ release one end
Rotating clips release the other end
Torsional springs provide force to open arrays
2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium

7. 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium
Locking Mechanisms
Spring plungers are utilized to lock the PEZ in place
Integrated hard stops have been designed into the solar array hinges
Torsional springs hold the solar arrays against these hard stops
2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium

8. Benefits to the CubeSat Designer
Doubles the solar array area
From 159 in2 to 318 in2
Still allows for a 75in2 of external surface area for scientific missions
2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium

9. 2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium
Questions?
2011 Colorado Undergraduate Space Research Symposium