Demonstration of Inflatable Reflector Technology for Picosatellite Applications

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) responds to the Air Force need to demonstrate the viability of inflatable optics deployed from picosatellites as well as the need to space validate the computer thermal, optical and mechanical models of their performance. InPhase I, the PSI PicoSat Inflatable was designed to include on-orbit surface metrology during optic inflation pressure changes associated with passing through the solar terminator. PSI identified commercial off the shelf components for low cost picosatconstruction. Atomic oxygen induced transmission losses of candidate inflatable optical materials were tested to ensure the thin film polymer will not limit mission lifetime. PSI performed calculations to assure achievement of design goals for opticalperformance and mission lifetime. These design goals were applied to the allocation of the available space on the picosatellite. In Phase II PSI proposes to use a masked inflatable optic to image a well characterized light source onto a CCD array.Analysis of these images enables the measurement of surface accuracy to within 20 microns, enabling us to verify static and dynamic models of the systems thermal and inflation properties. An Aerospace picosat will be integrated with the PSI sub-assemblyduring a Phase III program.