The solar arrays were stowed during launch and then released.
Mechanisms under the wings allowed them to unfold and
move on a hinge until two latches per wing engaged and
locked the wings in place.
The sample return capsule has a separation and release
system, made of three two legged struts that hold the
sample return capsule in place. The sample return capsule
is mounted on its struts with its heat shield atop six
spring-loaded cans. The springs push on a ring that
presses against the heat shield and gently shoves the
capsule away from the spacecraft when pyrotechnic bolts
are cut.
The sample return capsule's lid opens and closes on
a main hinge, and all the electronic signals that control
the collector arrays and concentrator are passed through
a wire harness from the spacecraft to the capsule that
passes through the hinge. In order to keep the hinge
from damaging the sample return capsule as it plunges
through Earth's atmosphere, the hinge is retracted away
from the capsule before reentry.
Elbow joints at the top of the hinge have separation
bolts and cable cutters that separate and retract the
hinge assembly. The ion and electron monitors each had
a door mechanism that exposed the sensors inside by
using pyrotechnics to expand small metallic balloons
to open the door.
Four mechanical latch/hook assemblies worked to grab
the lid of the sample return capsule and hold it in
place throughout launch. The science canister mechanisms
are: the lock ring device, sealing lid, canister lid
mechanisms, and solar collector array deployment mechanism.
All of the canister mechanisms combined weigh 17.0
kilograms (37.5 pounds)
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