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Advanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) CubeSat: From Build to FlightAdvanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) CubeSat is a technology demonstration mission of a 3-U CubeSat with an advanced digitally controlled electrical power system and novel use of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology for reliable deployable solar array mechanisms. The primary objective was to advance the power management and distribution (PMAD) capabilities to enable future missions requiring more flexible and reliable power systems with higher output power capabilities. Goals included demonstration of 100W distribution to a target electrical load, response to continuous and fast transient power requirements, and exhibition of reliable deployment of solar arrays and antennas utilizing re-settable SMA mechanisms. The power distribution function of the ALBus PMAD system is unique in the total power to target load capability, as power is distributed from batteries to provide 100W of power directly to a resistive load. The deployable solar arrays utilize NASA’s Nickel-Titanium-Palladium-Platinum (NiTiPdPt) high-temperature SMAs for the retention and release mechanism, and a superelastic binary NiTi alloy for the hinge component. The project launched as part of the CubeSat Launch Initiative (CLI) Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) XIX mission on Rocket Lab’s Electron in December 2018. This paper summarizes the final launched design and the lessons learned from build to flight.
Document ID
20205001812
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Deboshri Sadhukhan
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Allen T. Guzik
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Othmane Benafan
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Issam Boukabou
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Brian J Tomko
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Mark R Sorrells
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
William A Fabanich
(Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Date Acquired
May 6, 2020
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
SSC20-WKII-01
Meeting Information
Meeting: 34th Annual Small Satellite Conference
Location: Virtual
Country: US
Start Date: August 1, 2020
End Date: August 6, 2020
Sponsors: Clyde Space (United Kingdom)
Funding Number(s)
WBS: 736466.01.08.03.08.33
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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