Observations with radio telescopes address key problems in cosmology, astrobiology, heliophysics, and planetary science including the first light in the Universe (Cosmic Dawn), magnetic fields of extrasolar planets, particle acceleration mechanisms, and the lunar ionosphere. The Moon is a unique science platform because it allows access to radio frequencies that do not penetrate the Earth's ionosphere and because its far side is shielded from intense terrestrial emissions. A radio antenna can be realized by using polyimide film as a substrate, with a conducting substance deposited on it. Such an antenna can be rolled into a small volume for transport, then deployed by unrolling, and a robotic rover offers a natural means of unrolling a polyimide film-based antenna. An antenna deployment mechanism was developed that allows a thin film to be deposited onto a ground surface, in a controlled manner, using a minimally actuated rover.
The deployment mechanism consists of two rollers, one driven and one passive. The antenna film is wrapped around the driven roller. The passive roller is mounted on linear bearings that allow it to move radially with respect to the driven roller. Springs preload the passive roller against the driven roller, and prevent the tightly wrapped film from unspooling or “bird's nesting” on the driven spool. The antenna deployment mechanism is integrated on the minimally-actuated Axel rover. Axel is a two-wheeled rover platform with a trailing boom that is capable of traversing undulated terrain and overcoming obstacles of a wheel radius in height. It is operated by four motors: one that drives each wheel; a third that controls the rotation of the boom, which orients the body mounted sensors; and a fourth that controls the rover’s spool to drive the antenna roller. This low-mass axle-like rover houses its control and communication avionics inside its cylindrical body.
The Axel rover teleoperation software has an auto-spooling mode that allows a user to automatically deploy the thin film antenna at a rate proportional to the wheel speed as it drives the rover along its trajectory. The software allows Axel to deposit the film onto the ground to prevent or minimize relative motion between the film and the terrain to avoid the risk of scraping and antenna with the terrain.
This work was done by Joseph Lazio, Jaret B. Matthews, Issa A. Nesnas, and Dimitri Zarzhitsky of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology; and Jack C. Morrison for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NPO-48887
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Mechanism for Deploying a Long, Thin-Film Antenna From a Rover
(reference NPO-48887) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) concerning a mechanism designed for deploying a long, thin-film antenna from a rover. This technology is part of NASA's efforts to advance aerospace-related developments that have potential applications beyond space exploration, including commercial and scientific uses.
The document is identified as NPO-48887 and is categorized under NASA Tech Briefs, which serve to disseminate information about innovative technologies developed by NASA. The primary focus of this package is to provide detailed documentation related to the deployment mechanism, which is crucial for enhancing communication capabilities in space missions.
The deployment of antennas is a critical aspect of rover operations, as effective communication is essential for data transmission between the rover and mission control. The long, thin-film antenna design is likely aimed at optimizing space and weight on the rover while ensuring robust performance in various environmental conditions encountered during missions.
The Technical Support Package emphasizes compliance with U.S. export regulations, indicating that the information may contain proprietary data and is subject to export control laws. This highlights the importance of safeguarding sensitive technological advancements developed by NASA.
For further inquiries or additional information regarding the research and technology discussed in the document, the package provides contact details for the Innovative Technology Assets Management team at JPL. This team is responsible for managing and promoting NASA's innovative technologies and can assist with questions related to the deployment mechanism or other aerospace technologies.
Overall, the document serves as a resource for understanding the advancements in antenna deployment mechanisms, showcasing NASA's commitment to innovation in aerospace technology and its potential applications in various fields. It reflects the agency's ongoing efforts to share knowledge and foster partnerships that can leverage these technological advancements for broader societal benefits.
