FLAPS

Folded Lightweight Actuated Positioning System

My masters in Aerospace Engineering focused on the development of a repeatable actuator for CubeSats. Most of the repeatable actuators available in the market are heavy, large, and consume more power than a small satellite can provide. We use Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) on a hinge: SMA's change their shape when they are heated above their transition temperatures. We take advantage of that behavior to actuate our hinge.