Parametric study on the use of Hoberman mechanisms for reconfigurable antenna and solar arrays

Abstract

One of the primary concerns associated with the design of small satellites is achieving power capacities sufficient to support payload and mission operations while simultaneously retaining communications capabilities. Furthermore, small satellites must be able to easily transform from their tightly stowed configurations to their fully operational mode. To address these concerns, this paper presents the theoretical modeling and analysis of a class of foldable mechanisms, based on the Hoberman mechanism's kinematic theory, and their parametric coupling with the system parameters of both an antenna array and a solar array. The resulting models provide viable solar array and antenna array designs to generate power and communications capabilities on small satellites.