Geometric modeling of large space antenna deployment

A dynamic visualization of large antenna deployment was created to be used as a precursor to further analysis of the structure as it is being deployed. The configuration chosen for this investigation was a box-truss structure consisting of a large reflector 60 meters wide by 120 meters long with a 120-meter mast. The entire space structure is folded and compressed into a container 17.8 meters long by 3.75 meters in diameter for transportation to orbit by the Space Transportation System (STS). A geometric model of this structure was created using an interactive solid modeling package. The building blocks of the structure are boxes and cylinders which are put together to form elements connected by joints and hinges. The elements, joints, and hinges make up the box-truss structure. The geometric model was then passed to the MOVIE.BYU software package. The "utility" module of this program was used to manipulate the elements of the structure to represent 13 different stages of deployment. The "animate" command was then used to create a smooth sequence between stages. Each step in the sequence was recorded on magnetic tape and a short movie was produced.