Abstract: An electromechanical T-switch is achieved by connecting a bistable reed switch between each of the four ports of the T-switch to form a coaxial transmission line between ports. Each electromechanical reed switch is realized by a pair of contacts constituting the input and output ports of the switch, a reed conductor bridging the gap between the two contacts, a first permanent magnet for holding the reed conductor against the contacts, a second permanent magnet for holding the reed conductor away from the contacts, and electromagnetic coils around each of the first and second permanent magnets for changing the state of the switch.

Abstract: A pair of semi-rigid solar cell panels are curved under stress and latched in arcuate edge abutting fashion about the exterior of a spacecraft body, and upon release of the latched ends flatten into tangency at opposite sides of the spacecraft body. Spring hinges at the ends of a deployment arm cause each panel to automatically move radially outward of the spacecraft body, and a motor mounted to the spacecraft body and to one end of the deployment arm rotates the panel to orient the solar cells relative to the source of solar energy.