Precision Hinge Actuator for Advanced Telescope Systems

CTD proposes to investigate the deployment repeatability and microdynamic stability of a hinge and demonstration this repeatability in a deployable mirror test article, which incorporates the proposed precision self-locking hinge actuator. If successful, the proposed device will be substantially lighter, simpler, more robust, and more easily controlled than other state-of-the-art actuators for deployment of optical systems. More importantly, the proposed device has the potential of dramatically reducing or eliminating post-deployed microdynamic response, by eliminating mechanical latches. During Phase I, CTD and the University of Colorado (CU) will demonstrate the feasibility of the high-precision, self-locking, linear actuator through testing of a prototype actuator on an existing deployable optics testbed structure at CU. In Phase II, CTD and its partners will develop and test a self-locking linear actuator for application to a flight program of interest to NASA (e.g., Single Aperture Far-IR (SAFIR) telescope).