Deployable Antenna Hinge

CTD proposes to continue the development and demonstration of Elastic Memory Composite (EMC) hinges for deployable spacecraft components. Prototype EMC hinges fabricated in Phase I met or exceeded all feasibility demonstration testing goals. Thefeasibility of this approach was conclusively demonstrated. Phase II will continue this effort through the development of improved EMC hinged designs, and extensive space qualification testing individual thermal-vacuum, vibration, acoustic and funtionalperformance testing. Other tasks in Phase II will identify, evaluate and demonstrate other EMC hinge applications for deployable structures, and will continue the development and testing of other EMC deployable components, including open grid booms. EMChinges for deployable spacecraft components will lead to lighter weight, reduce deployment shock and higher reliablity. These and other EMC deployable components will have wide applicability in future satellites and spacecraft. The unique properties ofthe EMC materials will have broad applicability in commercial markets including medical products, sporting goods, construction and packaging.