Shape Memory Alloy Actuator and Spiral Spring Based Separation Actuator for Small Satellite

The separation actuator for the small satellite should fix satellite appendages with high clamping force. After operation, it has to be separated from the satellite body without any damage on satellite system and release the appendages such as a solar panel and an antenna successfully. Therefore, we invent a non-explosive separation actuator for the small satellite which generates low shock and is resettable. In order to confirm performance of the proposed separation actuator, we carried out experiments for separation time, maximum preload for activation, and shock level.