Abstract: An assembly of an array of solar cells and a substrate blanket to which they are mounted. The blanket is woven from glass fibers and coated with a silicone. The blanket, because of its composition, is resistant to attack by atomic oxygen, flexible, a good electrical insulator, and a good thermal conductor.

Abstract: A solar cell array deployable from a folded flat triangular structure to a substantially circular deployed shape. A root spar supports a hub. The hub has an axis of rotation normal to the axis of the root spar. The hub drives a lead spar, and a plurality of intermediate spars rotate freely around the hub. A foldable gore is fitted between each pair of adjacent spars except between the root spar and the lead spar. Rotation of the hub in one direction folds the gores into a stack. Rotation in the opposite direction opens the gores to form tensioned membranes between the spars. A reversible power source drives the hub.

Abstract: A deployable boom is constructed of springly flexible members so that it is self-biased toward a long length deployed state. A drive mechanism is operative to actuate a reel and lanyard device to retract the boom to a short length storage state and to controllably permit the boom to be extended to its long length deployed state. Latches are operated by the drive mechanism to releasably hold the boom in the short length storage state.

Abstract: A redundant-race bearing system incorporates a pair of ring-shaped race members. The race members are coaxial and axially spaced apart from one another. Each race member has a radial cross-section that includes a plurality of tracks. These tracks form a confining pattern that enables lateral and axial restraint.

Abstract: A self-driven nut having a relatively rotatable nut portion and anchor portion which are threadedly joined together. A spring rotatably biases them for relative rotation in one sense. A latch is provided to hold them against rotation with the spring compressed to store energy. Release of the latch enables the spring to drive the portions and torque down the nut.

Abstract: A redundant-race bearing system according to this invention incorporates a pair of ring-shaped race members. The race members are coaxial and axially spaced apart from one another. Each race member has a radial cross-section that includes a plurality of tracks. These tracks form a confining pattern that enables lateral and axial restraint.