| Popis: |
Photostructurable glass ceramics are unique materials that can be used to make mechanical, thermal, optical, and multi-functional structures in small spacecraft. Laser patterning of Foturan TM , a commercially available photostructurable glass ceramic, provides rapid micron-scale patterning of the amorphous glass and crystalline ceramic phases in a single substrate. We designed and fabricated a laboratory-class cold gas propulsion module out of Foturan TM that meets the propulsion requirements for a weeklong, 1-kg class satellite inspector mission. We have demonstrated rudimentary one-axis attitude control on an air table and intend to demonstrate position control. Many basic functions required for a satellite inspector, such as command and control, communications, and attitude control are implemented at a preliminary level in this subkg mass vehicle. |
