GOES-R Solar Array Deployment Test at Lockheed Martin Space Systems

May 5, 2015

2:04

0:00 Opening slate: GOES-R Solar Array Deployment Test at Lockheed Martin Space Systems
May 5, 2015
0:05 Hi, I'm Jim Spira, mechanical systems engineer on the GOES-R program for
0:09 Lockheed Martin.
0:10 The satellite has one solar wing subsystem
0:14 which houses the solar arrays providing power to the vehicle in space
0:17 and two solar weather sensing instruments. Shown here is the first deployment test of
0:23 the solar wing.
0:24 The first stage deployment occurs after a set of restraint and release 
0:28 mechanisms actuate
0:30 releasing the four outer solar panels. When they reach the deployed
0:34 configuration hinges between the panels latch.
0:37 Critical to our test-like-you-fly philosophy
0:41 we simulate the zero gravity effects of space by utilizing a precision
0:45 low-friction deployment and offload rail system. You can see the panel suspended
0:49 by the system above.
0:51 It gives us the best understanding of how the wing deployment will occur
0:54 on orbit.
1:02 The second and final stage deployment which occurs later in the orbit raising
1:06 Mission phase, resulting in the fully deployed wing. It is critical to the mission that the 16
1:13 restraint mechanisms release
1:15 and the six sets of hinges fully lock into place.
1:18 Once the wing is fully deployed, the spacecraft can receive full power from
1:23 the Sun
1:24 and the two solar weather sensing instruments, the Solar Ultraviolet Imager
1:28 and the Extreme Ultraviolet and x-ray Irradiance Sensors
1:32 can become operational. The successful ground deployment test of the the wing,
1:38 the lifeline of the on-orbit vehicle, was a major program milestone.
1:42 The flight-representative test validated for Lockheed Martin
1:46 and NOAA and NASA the solar wing subsystem’s mechanical 
1:49 Electrical, and software design.
1:53 (clapping)
1:55 (video credits: Lockheed Martin: We never forget who we’re working for. 2015 Lockheed Martin Corporation)