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Varuna Subsystems: Reflectarray Deployable Mechanisms

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    Varuna Subsystems: Reflectarray Deployable Mechanisms
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    Tests Conducted

    • Thermo-Vacuum Test
    • Shock Test
    • Vibration Test
    • Sine-Burst Test
    • Active Thermal Test
    • Functional Test
     
    🎓

    Honor Roll

    • Akash Pandya
    • Tanmay Singhal
    • Deep Karia
    • Mahesh Damor
     
    Reflectarray deployment mechanisms — hinges, hinge design, spring design, hold-down release mechanisms — comprise all the hardware components that stow the antenna and deploy it once the POEM platform is in stable orbit. They allow the antenna panel to fold and unfold for compact storage, transport, and deployment. Each part and assembly utilized in the antenna’s construction has been analyzed closely for high reliability and resilience.
    Reflectarray Hinge Mechanism of Varuna
    Reflectarray Hinge Mechanism of Varuna
     
    Varuna Hinge Mechanism
    Varuna Hinge Mechanism
     
    Varuna’s reflectarray deployment subsystems are built with material specifically designed to adapt to harsh space conditions.
    • All mechanical packages containing electric heat-generating systems are black anodized for high emissivity. This maximizes heat radiation from the hardware to space.
    • PEEK material is used to isolate each system from other heat-generating payloads on the testing deck. This ensures that no heat can be transferred from the POEM deck to any of Varuna’s subsystems.
    • Conversely, Heat Transfer Optimization techniques are used to improve heat transfers within the system. Our engineers create an origami design-based copper strap with a double stack. The strap contributes to efficient heat transfer from all components.
    • The outer cuboid is made using a monolithic structure that helps to enhance heat transfer between systems.
    • Thermal interface materials have been applied to the electronic components to help transfer heat generated from the PCB to the mechanical enclosure.
     
    Our engineers concluded from the gamut of tests outlined above that the design material and workmanship met the stringent requirements of space launch and exploration. We were confident that the given payload would survive the environmental loads encountered during the launch.
     
    Reflectarray Antenna Hinge Mechanism of Varuna with Antenna in Stowed Condition
    Reflectarray Antenna Hinge Mechanism of Varuna with Antenna in Stowed Condition
     

    Written by

    Tanmay Singhal
    Tanmay Singhal

    Tanmay leads the Mechanical and Deployable Systems team at PierSight. He has a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering from IIST and nearly 9 years of experience with ISRO. He specializes in mechanisms and systems engineering for launch vehicles and deep space missions.

      Written by

      Akash Pandya
      Akash Pandya

      Akash is a Sr. Design Engineer for Mechanical and Deployable Systems at PierSight. He holds an M.Tech in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering and contributed to antenna projects for ISRO during his tenure at Charusat Space Research & Technology Centre.

        Written by

        Shreya Bose
        Shreya Bose

        Shreya is a seasoned tech writer with deep experience in writing for the B2B ecosystem. She’s now set her sights on conquering space tech.