A precision six-meter deployable boom for the Mariner-Venus-Mercury 1973 magnetometer experiment

A unique deployable boom developed for accurately positioning magnetometers 6 meters (19.7 feet) from a spacecraft is described. Weight, mounting system, magnetic cleanliness, thermal dimensional stability, and natural frequency were critical constraints that were met. The boom was flown on Mariner 10 and deployed flawlessly. The design, development, and testing of the boom and optical alignment of the sensors are described. Design trades and problem solutions are discussed.