ABLE ESS

• Highly-linear, preloaded structures

• Sub-millimeter deployment precision & stability

• Active or passive fully-controlled deployments

• Extremely high stiffness/weight ratio

• Easily analyzed deterministic structures

• Passive compensation of Satellite or Bus distortions

• Proven implementation for deploying advanced systems

• Ideal for 1 square meter to 100 square meter structures

• Motor or spring driven deployment

• Partial retraction capability on-orbit (motor only)

• Performance validated at sub-scale level


Program	Customer	Technology	Application
RADARSAT-2	MacDonald, Dettwiler & Associates Ltd. (MacDonald Dettwiler)	ExtendABLE Support Structure (ESS)	Planar SAR Deployment
WSOA	JPL	ADAM & ESS	Deployable SAR, Fixed-Baseline Interferometer
ECHO	Ball/JPL	ESS	SAR Antenna Deployment
GPM/GMI	Ball/GSFC	ESS	Reflector Deployment


	• Size: Each ESS (two per spacecraft) deploys two antenna panels 3.75 m x 1.4 m each (15 m SAR) • Deployed repeatability: < 0.13 mm (0.005 in.) peak-to-peak deviation for each of 8 antenna interfaces • Thermal stability: < 0.70 mm (0.028 in.) peak-to-peak deviation for each of 8 antenna interfaces • Deployed ESS stiffness: > 4 Hz with 440 kg antenna • Weight: < 62 kg per ESS


	• Size: Each ESS (two per spacecraft) deploys two panels 0.31 m x 0.36 m each • Deployed repeatability: < 0.025mm (0.001 in.) peak-to-peak deviation from antenna panel best-fit plane • Thermal stability: For a representative full LEO orbit (15° Beta Angle) in S/C coordinates: < 0.003° Elevation (RX), < 0.02° Azimuth (RY) • Deployed wing stiffness: > 20 Hz with 4 kg antenna • Weight: < 2 kg per ESS