Abstract: Permanent joinder of structural components is accomplished by means of a heat retractable member connected between them by mechanically interlockable elements and raising the temperature of the member to a value sufficient to cause retraction thereof.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing together two separable pieces, such as two components of a spacecraft during launch. An elongated rod of heat contractible material provides a single active member which changes from a locking length to a contracted length upon application of sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the rod from below to above its transition temperature. Mounting and housing structures are provided for mounting and heating this transducer rod and an apertured member or recessed stop is provided for engaging a projecting portion thereof. Heating may be provided by redundant, electrically actuated heating coils surrounding a major portion of the rod length. At least a major portion of the transducer rod may be made of 55-Nitinol.

Abstract: An earth orbiting satellite (10) having an interior portion (22) supporting heat generating elements (26) and an exterior portion (12) having a thermal radiator (20) for heat radiated by these elements, is provided with reflectors (34s, 34c) in the annulus between the interior and exterior portions, the reflectors being configured to reflect radiation from the axially extending side surfaces of the heat generating elements to the thermal radiator and to conduct heat from the heat generating elements and radiate the conducted heat to the thermal radiator.

Abstract: An earth orbiting satellite (10) having a despun interior portion (22) supporting heat generating elements (24) and a spinning exterior portion (12) having a thermal radiator (20) for heat radiated by these elements, is provided with reflectors (42, 44) in the annulus (40) between the spinning and despun portions, the reflectors being configured to reflect radiation from the annulus to the thermal radiator. See FIG. 2.

Abstract: A bearing and power transfer assembly which includes a main bearing and auxiliary bearing for coupling a spun and despun shelf. The main bearing has a stator connected to the spun shelf, and a motor driven rotor connected to the stator of the auxiliary bearing. The rotor of the auxiliary bearing is connected to the despun shelf. Means are provided to maintain said auxiliary stator and rotor locked together until a failure of said main bearing occurs. A ground command frees the auxiliary bearing rotor and stator and a motor associated with the free rotor maintains a spinning torque on the despun shelf. Slip-ring and brush assemblies are included in each bearing assembly to provide electrical connections between spun and despun shelves.