Advanced Interface Concepts for Rollable Composite Space Booms under Test in Artificial Weightlessness

In July 2021, DLR conducted a test campaign in artificial weightlessness. During a dedicated flight day, the entire 20 m x 5 m test area of the special Airbus A310 was available for 5 experiments in the field of deployable high strain composite space structures. The results presented here originate from experiment No4 in which two different deployment mechanisms for DLR's deployable CFRP masts were tested. Both types of mechanisms use new interface concepts to attach the booms to the satellite structure with high stiffness during and after deployment. Both concepts were extensively evaluated in artificial weightlessness with respect to their safe deployment and stowage as well as their resulting interface stiffness. For this purpose, the test setup in the aircraft, the test plan and the test procedure are described. Finally, the results are discussed and recommendations are given for the further development of the boom and mechanisms as well as the testing of such structures in artificial weightlessness.