Deployment of an inflatable gravity gradient boom in micro-gravity

A parabolic flight experiment was conducted to study the deployment of an inflatable gravity gradient boom under micro-gravity conditions. Gravity gradient booms are proven technology for stabilizing satellites in low Earth orbits. As a novelty, Delft University of Technology intends to develop and fly an inflatable version of such a boom on its Delfi I satellite. To investigate how to achieve a controlled deployment, an experiment was
designed, built, managed and conducted by a team of 4 students, participating in the 7th ESA Student Parabolic Flight Campaign with support and advice from industry and Delft University. Two parameters for deployment were investigated, i.e. the pressure with which the pressurized air is pumped into the booms and the deployment technique. Cameras were used to monitor the deployments. Controlled deployments occurred and possible anomalies were identified and explained. Further improvements could include a free-floating experiment in order to counteract the influence of the fluctuations of the aircraft around the ideal zero-g condition and in order to better quantify the implied forces and moments on the main experiment construction.