An application of tape springs in small satellite area deployment devices

In recent years there have been many advances in the miniaturization of electronic and mechanical technologies for space applications. However, the satellite power requirement does not reduce linearly with the satellite mass, creating the need for small satellite deployable arrays. This paper outlines the current state of technology for small satellite deployable structures, briefly discussing the current and near future systems that have been made known to the international scientific community. A concept design outline of a nano satellite area deployment device is then presented. This design makes use of tape springs to drive the deployment of a solar array blanket in three dimensions. Further research in this area is then briefly outlined.