News Gallery of add-ons in development

[N_Molson]

Fueling rig. Took me a while to figure out that one.

 

[gattispilot]

This is the AST bluebird 7? supposed to launch on the New Glenn March 6.

Guessing. 1-5 are smaller and have a module underneath.

BlueBird 1-5 - AST SpaceMobile

BLUEBIRD 1-5 We are building a future where connectivity empowers everyone, everywhere. Our First Five Commercial Satellites Launched in September 2024, the BlueBird 1-5 satellites enable non-continuous coverage across the United States and other select markets. As we deploy our next-generation...

ast-science.com

nice video on them unfolding.

but not sure if 7 will have that module. might have to wait for the launch to see what it will look like in the rocket?

 

[gattispilot]

I guess I might be able to adjust the TD points to get it even? But I think it only uses 3 for ground contact, right?

 

[gattispilot]

So Falcon launched 5 of these. I have seen images of the satellites ready for launch.
But no images of the fairing? For the logo

What I don't understand is the deployment of them. I suppose the folder arrays are in the yellow area?

from the video the sides unfold from the center. But it seems the top/bottom/side must unfold from the center box?

 

[gattispilot]

So we get this. What I don't understand is the deployment. The video just show the sides unfold. Ok easy to do. But it is the end red area. I guess I could fake it and have a mesh of the folded panels and when it come out of the yellow case. Press a key and then the ends appear and then unfold?

 

[dennis.krenz]

I think the antenna array is held together by the two metal bands around the insulation of the launch container. Also I think that the "bus" of the satellite is not rolled into the array, but likely located at the end of the cylinder. But that means some major origami to get this satelllite into the cylindrical launch envelope. Also it should better unfold symmetrically to avoid tumbling.

Possibly the deployment mechanism uses cables instead of hinges and springs.

The videos of the company also doesn't show the interesting part of the deployment, its a closely guarded company secret it seems.

 

[gattispilot]

Thanks
in this video it shows the yellow case leaving the rocket.

AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 1-5 Satellite Mission Launches from Florida - AST SpaceMobile

Relive the historic launch of AST SpaceMobile's first five commercial satellites from Cape Canaveral, FL, on September 12, 2024 at 4:52 a.m. EDT.

ast-science.com

So this image show they with the box on top of the cases

also I think I might go with the logo on the side rather than the top.

notice the cutaway area in the case where you might see the folded arrays.

For Orbiter. I think the satellite will have a launch case mesh. Then the satellite top with folded panels mesh.

press a key and then end pieces will unfold. or just appear un folded and then the sides unfold?

 

[dennis.krenz]

Yes, but sadly again, not how the container opens and the first stage of array deployment works. But look here is one of ASTs patents anaylzed:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ASTSpaceMobile/comments/p0m1yo/the_popup_array_unfolded_analyzing_an_ast_space

The patent is found here:

LOW EARTH ORBIT MECHANICAL DEPLOYABLE STRUCTURE

Complete Patent Searching Database and Patent Data Analytics Services.

www.freepatentsonline.com

Looks like I wasn't far away by assuming wires for the deployment - they call it "stored energy connector". (so like a space-grade rubber band)

An idea: You could also make the launch case 4 connected parts, that simply fold open by rotating 90° or even more.

 

[gattispilot]

wOW. tHANKS
So when it comes out of the yellow case it should look like this?

animating all those cells would be challenging.

I think once you got to the stage where the top/bottom are unfolded and the sides unfold would be easier


for New Glenn is looks different?

 

[Matias Saibene]

Initial UACS cargo support.

 

[barrygolden]

gattis are those sat being built in Midland TX

 

[gattispilot]

gattis are those sat being built in Midland TX

Yes. AST is in Midland texas

 

[dennis.krenz]

wOW. tHANKS
So when it comes out of the yellow case it should look like this?

Approximately. the patent doesn't specify how the exact array looks like and the version flown looks different to the example in the patent. But it gives a good idea. The question would be: Where are the "cuts", where are the folds?

 

[gattispilot]

Yes. Lots of parent and child, So on the tile. there are 2 sides communication and solar. Sure I can make all the tiles. but then you got to figure out how to unfold them.

It might be easier to have a stowed mesh. And then a mesh where the main top and bottom are unfolded with the sides and just unfold the sides?

 

[dennis.krenz]

Yes. Lots of parent and child, So on the tile. there are 2 sides communication and solar. Sure I can make all the tiles. but then you got to figure out how to unfold them.

It might be easier to have a stowed mesh. And then a mesh where the main top and bottom are unfolded with the sides and just unfold the sides?

At least you don't have up to 96 meshgroups to animate that way (likely less).

 

[gattispilot]

yes, So each tile needs a communication side earth and solar panel side

 

[gattispilot]

I wonder which side this is?

 

[gattispilot]

Maybe like this?
Haven't decided on how to the animation. I think I might be able to do child/parent for the top/bottom so they unfold and then the side unfold as a solid unit?

 

[gattispilot]

Some progress.
I need to figure out how to release the case from the falcon in the right direction.
Then press a key and the satellite will be released form the case. Press a key and you get the front/back panels unfolded. press a key and the sides unfold
I will add reflection on the solar panels.

 

[gattispilot]

The launch was at night. Not sure if the SLC40 has lights?
Not sure what the orbit info should be?
I need to figure how to expel the sat from the case. Maybe just press a key and the case mesh move away and disappears?

Since it is a night it makes it hard to see the cases?
Might add move glow to them?

This is what I have. Focus on the Falcon mount keys 1-5 release the Case. Focus on the Sat. press 2 the case will move away. press 1 will switch to part way unfolded. press 3 to unfold