Abstract: A joint is provided for unfolding systems, e.g. for satellite solar generators that permits sufficiently large unfolding torque, low weight and small dimensions. A drive on one joint half acts on a small pulley to wind a cord on it. The other end of the cord is tautly connected to a large pulley that rotates on the hinge pin and is fixed to the second joint half. The large pulley rotates in the opposite direction of the small pulley when the cord is wound so that the second joint half folds away from the first joint half on the hinge pin into an unfolded state and is held In this state by a stop against the tension of the cord. The joint is used, for example, for unfolding joints for satellite solar generators that consist of two joint halves, a hinge pin and a drive.

Abstract: A joint is provided for unfolding systems, e.g. for satellite solar generators that permits sufficiently large unfolding torque, low weight and small dimensions. A drive on one joint half acts on a small pulley to wind a cord on it. The other end of the cord is tautly connected to a large pulley that rotates on the hinge pin and is fixed to the second joint half. The large pulley rotates in the opposite direction of the small pulley when the cord is wound so that the second joint half folds away from the first joint half on the hinge pin into an unfolded state and is held in this state by a stop against the tension of the cord. The joint is used, for example, for unfolding joints for satellite solar generators that consist of two joint halves, a hinge pin and a drive.

Abstract: A solar collector panel arrangement includes a plurality of panels interconnected to form panel wings which in turn are secured in a symmetric fashion to a spacecraft, especially a satellite. At least the axially outermost panels forming the tip of a panel wing, are partially and/or fully foldable while the other panels of the wing are fully unfoldable. In the fully unfolded state of a wing all panels are located in a common plane in which also the system central axis is located. The two solar generator wings are so folded and structured or arrestable in certain positions that the entire center of gravity in the partially unfolded state remains in the same position as in the fully unfolded state and in the fully folded state.