A versatile deployable boom system for spacecraft, offering lengths up to 2m (with plans for 16m) and various deployment modes, including auto-retraction.
Boom System
A versatile deployable boom system for spacecraft, offering lengths up to 2m (with plans for 16m) and various deployment modes, including auto-retraction.
Description
The Frond Space Boom System is a versatile deployable boom technology designed for a range of space applications, including satellite inspection (acting as a 'Selfie Stick') and general payload deployment. The initial configuration is CubeSat compatible and provides stereoscopic imagery of the host spacecraft with an auto-retraction capability in the event of a spacecraft anomaly. The system utilizes rollable composites from RolaTube Technology Limited. It is environmentally qualified to GEVS levels (14.1Grms) and operates within a temperature range of -30°C to +60°C.
The boom system offers multiple deployment modes: one-shot spring-driven deployment, motor-driven deploy and stow operation, and deploy and stow operation with auto-retraction during spacecraft anomalies. By default, the booms include 12 embedded wires within the carbon fiber structure to supply power and data signals to the boom tip payload, eliminating the need for additional cable management. Frond Space can support customer-provided boom tip payloads, develop them in-house, or collaborate with partners.
A single Hold Down Release Mechanism (HDRM) circuit is included by default for secure mounting of boom tip payloads during launch, with burn-wire and low-profile shockless shape memory alloy HDRMs available as options. Precision positioning is achieved through coarse home and end point position switches, along with encoder positioning offering 2mm accuracy. While initial mechanisms support booms up to 2m, the company is working to extend this to 16m deployed length. The system is initially designed for CubeSat interfaces but offers versatile mounting and enclosure options.
Specifications
| Deployable length (initial) | 2m |
|---|---|
| Environmental qualification | GEVS levels (14.1Grms) |
| Operational temperature range | -30°C to +60°C |
| Boom tip payload wiring | 12 wires embedded for power and data |
| Hdrm | Single circuit included by default (burn-wire and SMA options available) |
| Positioning accuracy | 2 mm (with encoder positioning) |
| Boom length (future) | Up to 16m deployed length |
| Mounting interface | Initially designed for CubeSat |
