Abstract: A solar generator deployment device includes an assembly comprising a plurality of tape-springs supporting a windable membrane on a face of which is arranged a plurality of elements capable of converting the solar energy into electrical energy. The tape-springs and membrane are co-wound around a unique radius of curvature equal to the natural radius of curvature of folding of the tape-spring in the wound state. The tape-springs are substantially parallel and interlinked by transversal braces ensuring the rigidity of the bearing structure.

Abstract: The satellite solar generator structure comprises a plurality of solar panels (PR, PS) each having a plane surface, the panels being disposed in superposition in said structure (ST), the structure including at least one rod (TI) holding said panels (PR, PS) pressed against one another, two successive panels being in contact via bearing points (AL) disposed at the peripheries of the panels. In this structure, spacers (CA) are distributed over the surfaces of the panels (PR, PS) and are disposed between pairs of successive panels in order to improve contact between two successive panels so that the structure presents better mechanical strength during the satellite launch stage. With this arrangement, a fraction of the forces is taken up by the spacers instead of being taken up by the panels, thus making it possible to optimize the solar generator, for example by reducing the weight of the panels constituting it.

Abstract: The satellite solar generator structure comprises a plurality of solar panels (PR, PS) each having a plane surface, said panels being disposed in superposition in said structure (ST), said structure including at least one rod (TI) holding said panels (PR, PS) pressed against one another, two successive panels being in contact via bearing points (AL) disposed at the peripheries of said panels. In this structure, spacers (CA) are distributed over the surfaces of the panels (PR, PS) and are disposed between pairs of successive panels in order to improve contact between two successive panels so that the structure presents better mechanical strength during the satellite launch stage. With this arrangement, a fraction of the forces is taken up by the spacers instead of being taken up by the panels, thus making it possible to optimize the solar generator, for example by reducing the weight of the panels constituting it.

Abstract: Two members, such as a spacecraft and an object to be ejected from said spacecraft, are normally maintained in contact by an unlockable connecting device. In order to bring about an optimum control of the attitude of the object during its ejection, the two members contact each other by at least two pairs of complementary cylindrical surfaces having generatrixes parallel to the ejection force and which simultaneously lost contact. The cylindrical surfaces can be formed on a mast connected to the spacecraft and in a bore connected to the object.

Abstract: A device for the unlockable connection between two objects such as a satellite and a spacecraft incorporating a rotary key connection. The unlocking connection is made by the rotation of a ring carrying the key. This rotation is induced by the axial displacement of a rod carrying the ring and controlled by a spring. This spring is released by an initiating system, such as a pyrotechnic or similar system.

Abstract: A system for extending or retracting two rotationally interconnected members and locking or releasing the members in the extended position. The system includes a locking cam (4) on a shaft (5) combined with the first member (2) and connected to a drive (9). The cam is engageable with a bearing surface (8) on the second member. The drive (9) is preferably a power drive rotating the two members about their pivot axis and includes a motor (9A) with a rotational axis (17) parallel to the rotational axes (10, 11) of the cam and the shaft, the rotational axis coinciding with the pivot axis of the two members; a transmission (18) linking the motor to the shaft; and a radial linkage (19) rotating with the motor and capable of rotating the second member about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An unlockable connecting device between two objects is provided. The device includes a connecting member for connecting the objects when the device is in a connected state, and an elastic system for applying to the connecting member a tensile stress for breaking the connecting member when the device is in a separation state. The tensile stress is caused by expansion of the elastic system as a result of elastic resiliency of the elastic system.

Abstract: An articulated device for space vehicles, for example, for temporarily sealing the aperture of a space optical instrument. The device includes a fixed support element for mounting on the vehicle and an auxiliary element such as a temporary sealing flap mounted to pivot with respect to the fixed support element around a hinge axis between a first configuration (e.g. wherein the aperture is sealed) and a second configuration. The auxiliary element is attached, by a frangible controlled-break component for making temporary connections, to a hinge shaft whose rotation between the first and second configuration is controlled by an actuator. A torsional resilient return device is secured to the auxiliary element and to the shaft while resiliently biasing the auxiliary element to rotate it around the shaft in a predetermined direction. The shaft is substantially loosely engaged in journal bearings which are rigidly fastened to the auxiliary element.

Abstract: A locking system is disclosed comprising two elements connected mechanically together so as not to be able to move apart, as well as a cam mounted for rotation on the first of said elements and having a contact surface pressing against a bearing face carried by the second of said elements.According to the invention, said contact surface of said cam has at least approximately a profile in the form of a logarithmic spiral, whereas said bearing face is flat and said cam may rotate about a hub on the axis of which is located the origin of said logarithmic spiral, said hub being mounted for rotation on said first element about an off-centered axis of rotation opposite said contact surface of said cam. Resilient means are provided for rotating said cam in a first direction such that said contact surface moves towards said bearing face.

Abstract: Fixing system enabling in particular a structure (10) to be rapidly docked for securing thereon an element in a detachable way.According to the invention, this system is notable in that it comprises:pliers (3) able to be spontaneously opened under the action of a first spring (7);a rod (14) able to slide under the action of a second spring (13) so as to close said pliers against the action of said first spring (7);a mobile support (15) for said second spring (13);locks (19, 20, 21) able to be controlled for locking said sliding rod (14) and said mobile support (15);and a pin (23) to control at will the blocking of said locking means.The system is used for the fixing of an element onto a structure in difficult conditions, for example outside a spaceship.