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

As will be outlined in the core of the proposal, it is our contention that discrete truss like reaction structures or isogrid reinforcements are no longer strictly needed to realize precision primary reflective membrane surfaces. Rather, the desiredsystem level performance can be provided at significantly lower system level mass and complexity based on the combination of recently developed doubly curved Inherently Stiff Membrane (ISM) thin film shells, active control actuation approaches to providefinal shape control and disturbance rejection authority and self deploying foldless roll based packing approaches. What is still required however is the demonstration of clear path towards fully integrated deployable periphery support structures thattake advantage of the inherently deterministic self deploying features of ISM shells and active control there-of. In Phase I system level architectures for realizing the above concepts will be studied first. Results will be used to drive detailedanalysis and trade studies and the subsystem level. Building on the lessons learned a preliminary system level point design will be performed to highlight the feasibility and advantages of the proposed technology. This sets the stage for focused Phase IIrisk reduction, itself leading to flight demonstration opportunities and Phase III mission applications. Strong commercialization potential is seen for the proposed technological approach. The basis of the proposed technology, inherently stiff membraneapertures whose shape is actively maintained, has the potential to provide significantly better technical performance (in terms of areal density, thermal settling time, etc.) at lower cost/turn around times for the realization of large deployableapertures. Air Force missions that could benefit from the proposed technology development include SOTV, future Space Based Radar constellations, IR imaging, optical spectroscopy, laser comm and optical imaging Many of these applications are of significantinterest to other DoD components and national agencies as well. Additional missions such as directed energy apertures (for SBL or relay mirrors) and civilian space organizations driven applications such as Solar Sails are foreseeable. Eventual transitionof certain aspects of the technology into the terrestrial application areas as primary optics for lightweight spotting and targeting telescopes for ground based military applications is possible. Further commercial uses for field transportable lightweightlarger diameter scopes for recreational hunting and bird spotting uses are envisaged. The potential to enable new classes of affordable large diameter terrestrial amateur and arrays of professional astronomy telescopes also exist.