SATLATCH — Rotary Deployment and Latching Mechanism
Nimesis Technology
Compact SMA rotary deployment and latching mechanism for satellites — progressive shock-free deployment in 4–100 seconds, auto-resettable, operates -120°C to +120°C, vibration-qualified. TRL 8.
Technical specifications
- Technology
- CuAlNi shape memory alloy rotary mechanism
- TRL
- 8
- Mass
- < 60 g
- Dimensions
- 40 mm wide × 8.6 mm thick
- Deployment torque
- 0.1 N·m
- Locking torque
- 0.2 N·m
- Temperature range
- -120°C to +120°C
- Voltage range
- 7–16.8 V
- Deployment time
- 4–100 seconds (adjustable)
- Vibration qualification
- 25g sine, 50.9g RMS random
- Shock qualification
- 1,000g
- Cycles
- Up to 10 (auto-resettable, no MGSE)
- Applications
- Satellites, CubeSats, rovers — solar panels, antennas, hinged structures
About
SATLATCH is Nimesis Technology’s rotary SMA deployment and latching mechanism designed for smooth, shock-free deployment of satellite structures including solar panels, antennas, and hinged payloads. It achieves progressive, controlled rotation from locked to deployed position using CuAlNi shape memory alloy, with adjustable deployment times from 4 to 100 seconds. At under 60 grams and 40 mm wide by 8.6 mm thick, SATLATCH is extremely compact for its capability class. It operates on 7–16.8 V, is auto-resettable without ground support equipment for up to 10 full cycles, and has been qualified to 25g sine and 50.9g RMS random vibration and 1,000g shock. TRL 8 has been demonstrated in an operational-equivalent environment.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.
