444 As expected of a technology demonstrator for a new and novel design, the simulation and test results  also revealed many improvements that can be m ade to the current system. Areas of focus address  improvements to current hardware such as fatigue, tolerance, and thermal concerns with the hinge and  locking mechanism, identification and integration of a damping mechanism, and improved gravity gradient  capabilities with a more efficient mass distributi on and payload interface. Additionally, new challenges  such as the solar panel electrical integration,  cross-panel wiring harness design, improved array  orientation and structural analysis, and an understanding of the uncon strained release and deployment  dynamics, will bring XSAS closer to flight hardware status.    The University of Michigan Student Space System s Fabrication Laboratory (S3FL), an active student  group, has taken on the XSAS concept for contin ued development. S3FL will focus on improved design  and analysis of the mechanisms,  structural mechani cs, and deployment dynamics of a new XSAS  prototype. This summer they will test the prototype in microgravity  within NASA’s Reduced Gravity  Student Opportunities Program. This program allows selected teams to fly onboard the famed “Vomit Comet” to perform experiments in a controlled and unconstrained 6-DOF environment. This first  microgravity flight will help in the dynamic analysis of the XSAS system  and prepare for additional, future  flights, supporting CubeSats in low Earth orbit. 

Acknowledgements 

The authors would like to thank the students of AE/AOSS 582 and 583 during the Fall 2008 and Winter  2009 school year for their dedicated efforts in suppor ting the XSAS project. In particular, Eric Kosmyna  made significant contributions to XSAS’ development. Fu rthermore, the authors are grateful to the S3FL  and XSAS Reduced Gravity Student Oppor tunities Program teams for co ntinuing development and flying  it onboard the “Vomit Comet”. 

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