Impact Videos
ISS Solar Array Mast Flex Batten Impact Test
The ISS solar arrays are deployed and supported by a retractable articulated mast
known as the Folding Articulated Square Truss (FAST) Mast. The FAST Mast is comprised
of 32 segments with each one containing 4 flex batten assemblies. The flex battens are
a critical part of the solar array mast assemblies and it is important to understand
damage that may occur to one when struck by micrometeroids or orbital debris.
FAST Mast flex battens are constructed from fiberglass and are covered in a silicon
coating. The battens act as a compression spring by inducing tension in the diagonal
cables and compression in the rigid battens. This test was designed to examine the
outcome of a direct impact test performed on a spare flex batten to understand the
resulting damage.
Projectile Information
Material | Aluminum |
Shape | Spherical |
Diameter | 0.07 inches | Mass | 0.00859 grams |
Velocity | 15,658 miles per hour |
Impact Angle | 0 degrees |
Testing Aftermath
Successful impacts on the test article are extensively photographed to record
resulting damage and to supplement post-test analysis. The following images are
from the ISS Solar Array Mast Flex Batten hypervelocity impact test. This test
helped characterize the damage to a flex batten resulting from a direct impact
and will help in understanding the overall impact to the FAST Mast from a
potential MMOD hit.