Design, Fabrication, and Testing of a Graphite-Epoxy Composite Gravity-Gradient Boom for a Small Satellite

Passive stabilization methods for satellites have undergone extensive research and development. Recently the number of small satellites (satellites less than 100 kg.) has increased dramatically. This has lead to increased use of passive stabilization methods, such as gravity-gradient. The core of a gravity-gradient stabilization system is a deployable boom with a damping mechanism. Traditionally, this boom is constructed from metal alloys. Uneven heating and cooling occurs when these alloys are exposed to varying solar radiation conditions. This can induce thermal vibrations which can lead to undesired satellite attitude inversions. Graphite-epoxy composites can be fabricated to minimize thermal expansion. This will be beneficial when applied to gravity-gradient booms. The goal of this project is to demonstrate the use of graphite-epoxy composites in gravity-gradient booms. This project encompasses: the use of a satellite attitude simulation program for boom sizing and determination of gravity-gradient boom loading, development of joint-locking mechanisms for boom deployment, and selection and testing of appropriate fabrication methods.