Deployable Cover for CubeSat FUV Imager

The goal is to develop a deployable cover for a far ultraviolet imager cube satellite that will be used to map the earth’s auroras in the ionosphere. The deployable cover is used to protect the Far Ultra-Violet (FUV) sensor and lenses, house two mirrors which are used to filter unwanted light and expose optics when deployed. The deployable cover consists of a door, an actuator, a lockout mechanism, and an “open position” indicator. This project also includes designing a fixture for testing the optical alignment of the deployable cover after launch and during orbital conditions. The subassembly is required to be contained within a 1U volume (10x10x10cm) with the existing front optics assembly, have minimal mass, and provide reliable optical alignment. The final design showed that two mirrors can be packaged into the given footprint if the second mirror is deployed outwards into position via a spring-driven door and the front panel is deployed to allow for full field of view. Although this project proved that a reliable design solution is possible and made long strides towards a finalized design, another design revision is suggested for the springs, front panel hinge, flexures, and mirror bonding fixtures to bring the system up to flight ready status