The Horizon 2020 (H2020) Future Emerging Technologies (FET) OPEN Project E.T.PACK is dedicated to advancing Electrodynamic Tether (EDT) technology by developing a specialized Deorbit Device prototype for end-of-life satellite deorbiting. In collaboration with the E.T.PACK consortium, the University of Padova conducted test campaigns aimed at evaluating the Deployment Mechanism design. This paper offers an overview of these tests, with a specific emphasis on the outcomes derived from tape spool examinations and deployment tests conducted on specific tape lengths. Furthermore, the paper delineates the setup for upcoming end-to-end deployment tests, highlighting the integration of a tape collecting machine to minimize manual intervention. The three-coil spool successfully passed qualification tests under thermal-vacuum conditions, exhibiting no instances of cold-welding. Additionally, shaker tests validated the spool ability to withstand launch conditions without requiring additional containment flanges. Furthermore, the Deployment Mechanism demonstrated its proficiency in smoothly deploying tapes with varying characteristics within the desired velocity range. Moreover, the deployment process, following a specific profile, proceeded seamlessly without any complications. Consistent continuity was maintained throughout the deployment processes, with no instances of jams or disruptions observed. These testing outcomes represent a fundamental step in the preparation and testing of the Engineering Qualification Model of the Deployment Mechanism, instilling confidence that subsequent end-to-end deployment tests will progress smoothly. To this end, a specific upside-down configuration will be implemented, and a recollecting machine was designed and manufactured to facilitate tape gathering, ensuring a streamlined and efficient testing process. A description of the end-to-end deployment test setup, including the recollecting machine, is also provided in this paper.

中文翻译：

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E.T.PACK Deorbit 系统的部署机制：功能和鉴定测试


Horizo n 2020 （H2020） 未来新兴技术 （FET） OPEN 项目 E.T.PACK 致力于通过开发用于报废卫星离轨的专用离轨设备原型来推进电动系绳 （EDT） 技术。帕多瓦大学与 E.T.PACK 联盟合作，开展了旨在评估部署机制设计的测试活动。本文概述了这些测试，特别强调了对特定磁带长度进行的磁带卷轴检查和部署测试得出的结果。此外，该论文还描述了即将到来的端到端部署测试的设置，强调了磁带收集机的集成，以最大限度地减少人工干预。三线圈线轴成功通过了热真空条件下的合格测试，没有出现冷焊的情况。此外，振动台测试验证了阀芯承受发射条件的能力，而无需额外的密封法兰。此外，Deployment Mechanism 还展示了其在所需速度范围内顺利部署具有不同特性的磁带的熟练程度。此外，按照特定配置文件的部署过程无缝进行，没有任何复杂性。在整个部署过程中保持一致的连续性，没有观察到卡顿或中断的情况。这些测试结果代表了准备和测试部署机制的工程鉴定模型的基本步骤，为后续的端到端部署测试将顺利进行灌输信心。 为此，将实施特定的倒置配置，并设计和制造了一台回收机，以促进磁带收集，确保简化和高效的测试过程。本文还提供了端到端部署测试设置（包括 recollection 机器）的描述。