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Solar array flight dynamic experimentThe purpose of the Solar Array Flight Dynamic Experiment (SAFDE) is to demonstrate the feasibility of on-orbit measurement and ground processing of large space structures dynamic characteristics. Test definition or verification provides the dynamic characteristic accuracy required for control systems use. An illumination/measurement system was developed to fly on Space Shuttle flight STS-31D. The system was designed to dynamically evaluate a large solar array called the Solar Array Flight Experiment (SAFE) that had been scheduled for this flight. The SAFDE system consisted of a set of laser diode illuminators, retroreflective targets, an intelligent star tracker receiver and the associated equipment to power, condition, and record the results. In six tests on STS-41D, data was successfully acquired from 18 retroreflector targets and ground processed, post flight, to define the solar array's dynamic characteristic. The flight experiment proved the viability of on-orbit test definition of large space structures dynamic characteristics. Future large space structures controllability should be greatly enhanced by this capability.
Document ID
19870045473
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Schock, Richard W.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1986
Subject Category
Space Transportation
Report/Patent Number
AAS PAPER 86-050
Accession Number
87A32747
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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