Design and Development of Deployment Mechanism 483 for 1 Meter Resolution Space Telescope

Deployable telescope is a concept where the space telescope remains in stowed position in the payload fairing of launch vehicle and deployed in orbit to its final form. An initial concept demonstration model of the mechanism was developed as a part of first phase of the project. Phase 2 of the project is aimed at developing a mechanism for 100 micron deployment accuracy in separation and 100 arc seconds in alignment. Scope of the present work is related to Phase-2 of the project. Two models were made as a part of phase-2. Design of elements of deployment mechanism and its characterization was done. Assembly and separation characterization is carried out for both models of phase-2 deployment mechanism. Details regarding the design of mechanism elements, analysis, realization and characterization are covered in this paper.