Malcolm McRobb

Variable-geometry solar sailing: the possibilities of the quasi-rhombic pyramid

Variable geometry solar sailing potentially offers enhanced delta-V capabilities and new orbital solutions. We propose a device with such capabilities, based upon an adjustable quasi-rhombic pyramid sail geometry, and examine the benefits that can be derived from this additional flexibility. The enabling technology for this concept is the bevel crux drive, which can maintain tension in the solar sail across a wide range of apex angles. This paper explores the concept of such a device, discussing both the capabilities of the architecture and the possibilities opened up in terms of orbital and attitude dynamics.

Deployment Dynamics of AEOLDOS - An Aerodynamic End Of Life DeOrbit System for CubeSats

A deployment system for a CubeSat-compatible aerobrake is set out. The dynamic behavior of tape-springs wound a round a central hub is described and some of the developmental challenges in developing such a system, such as managing the rotation of the spool to prevent blooming, are discussed. The deployment rates of several systems are presented and the overall concept is shown to achieve deployment of a 1m2 drag sail for a mass of 372g and vertical dimension of around 0.4U. Finally, developments required to most fully realize some alternative applications. such as antenna structures and solar sailing, are considered.

The wideband ionospheric sounder cubesat experiment (WISCER)

This paper describes a preliminary design study to assess the possibility of flying a wideband ionospheric sounder cubesat experiment (WISCER). WISCER comprises a wideband (~100 MHz) beacon on a low cost cubesat designed to measure and evaluate the ionospheric channel in anticipation of the development of operational, space-based, low frequency (i.e. around 450MHz) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems.

A rock-coring campaign in an analogue environment: performance, lessons and development

The acquisition of samples from deep within planets, moons and asteroids will require a drilling and sample-retrieving system. A prototype of such a system has been trialled in a partial analogue environment, resulting in the successful extraction of core samples from a range of rocks including sandstone, vesicular basalt and pumice using a mobile rover testbed. This paper describes the mechanical design, software and systems engineering associated with the drill tool, the performances of the hardware, and the nature of the holes.