Fully Integrated Deployable Support Structure Approaches for Foldless RF to Optical Membrane Apertures

The core of the proposed technology is based on capitalizing on the features of inherently stiff membrane (ISM) single surface shells fabricated from proven, already space qualified materials that have the demonstrated ability to take a wide array of coatings. In the Phase I time frame we have experimentally demonstrated ability of the ISM shell to be 1) highly packagable, 2) inherently self deployable and self rigidizing, 3) either by themselves, or in combination with separately deployed support structure (enabling future use of proven space deployable structures), 4) demonstrated (numerically and experimentally) highly robust and adaptable control authority over common disturbance loads, such as cancellation of acceleration effects, and 5) numerically showed that shell sizes are scaleable to the mission driven sizes and operational loads of interest. Building on this base, in Phase II, we will experimentally demonstrate a) scalability of the ISM shells from the currently proven 1 m diameter to significantly larger diameters, b) deployment/synchronization with support structure in relevant environments (i.e. vacuum), c) passive concentration and surface accuracy, and d) usefulness of actuation strategies to further refine surface accuracy. The outlined effort will lay the groundwork for a meaningful PIII flight demonstration and technology insertion into missions.