The Design and Test of the GOSSAMER-1 Boom Deployment Mechanisms Engineering Model

Abstract

The main focus of this paper is the detailed introduction of the oom deployment concept implemented for the German eployable membrane technology demonstrator Gossamer-1. The technology aims for solar sailing, thin-film photovoltaic and drag augmentation as possible use cases.
\nTherefore, the main functional and geometrical requirements for the mechanisms are derived from the mission design and the global sail deployment concept which are both introduced in detail. The regarding mechanism design is explained on concept level and illustrated with evaluating tests of the engineering model. Finally, an outlook on the future of the project, including the current design status of the engineering qualification model, is given.