PURPOSE: provide simple constitution, reduced weight and size, and improved reliability and ease of handling, in a developing article holding release device for a solar battery paddle loaded on an artificial satellite and so forth, by installing a shape memory alloy holding member which operates according to the holding position and the release position of a folded developing article, and a temperature control means.

CONSTITUTION: If a solar battery paddle 12 is folded to be in a storage condition, and an L-shaped holding member 11 made of shape memory alloy is controlled to be in a room temperature condition, the solar battery paddle 12 is kept in a folded condition by the holding member 11. If current is applied between electric poles 14a, 14b of the holding member 11, the temperature of the holding member 11 rises, and the shape is deformed into straight according to property of shape memory alloy. Therefore, holding of a developing part is disengaged to release the solar battery paddle 12. With this constitution, it is possible to provided simple constitution, reduced size and weight, and improved reliability and ease of handling.