Structural Bus and Release Mechanisms on the ST5 Satellites - Summary and Status

The Space Technology 5 Mechanical System met the challenge of packaging a fully functional science and technology satellite system with its Deployer mechanism into a compact 0.07 m³ volume. Three 25 kg satellites were orbited in constellation in March, 2006. The ST5 mechanical system is composed of (1) The Structural Bus; (2) Magnetometer Instrument Boom (3) Spacecraft Deployer Release Mechanism. This system includes a highly integrated electronics enclosure as a multifunctional structure; a lightweight, magnetically clean Magnetometer Boom; the first use of Nitinol Shape-Memory Alloy trigger devices for deploying multiple spacecraft; an innovative compliant mount for the umbilical connector and a Deployer mechanism that imparts both separation velocity and mission spin rate to three constellation flying satellites. These elements employed cutting-edge design and analysis tools, state-of-the-art testing facilities and proven engineering techniques to meet stringent performance criteria, enabling the mission's success.