Due to limited launch vehicle size, innovative ways must be found to place ever-larger space telescopes into orbit. The goal of the MQP was to evaluate two deployment methods for hexagonal mirror segments: centripetal deployment and consecutively-actuated deployment. Primary analysis was governed by Kane's method through use of the AutoLev software package, and secondary analysis was accomplished with visualNastran 4D. While these types of deployment present difficult engineering challenges, results indicate that these designs hold great promise for future space telescopes.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cook, Jimmy Carson
• Lewis, Matthew Taylor
• Hanson, Matthew Even

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 00B002M

Advisor

• Zwiep, Donald N.
• Looft, Fred J.

Year

• 2000

Center

• Goddard Space Flight Center Project Center - MQP

Date created

• 2000-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright