Design and fabrication of an erectable truss for precision segmented reflector application

Abstract

The design of a first generation, 4-m-diam, doubly curved, tetrahedral support truss for precision parabolic reflector panels, incorporating joints specifically designed for on-orbit astronaut assembly, is presented. Operational and design features of the erectable joint are detailed. Methods used to achieve very accurate strut lengths are described. Initial static and dynamic truss test results are presented that demonstrate linear structural response and predictability. Truss surface accuracy, determined photogrammetrically, is shown to be within 0.003 in. (rms) of design. © 1990 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.