Inflatable and Rigidizable Space Structures

Space structures which can be deployed in space by inflation have been successfully developed and utilized. This type of structure has significant advantages over alternate types of space structures. These include a low stowage volume requirement during launch, a low weight, a simple deployment approach (no mechanisms) which results in a high reliability and low cost, and the ability to form large structures in space without requiring astronaut participation. L'Garde has recently made significant advances in developing the capability to also rigidize inflatable structural components after they have been deployed. This enhances the capability to form structures with a long life since, after rigidization, the inflatant is no longer needed. Also the rigidized material is very strong. The capability of fabricating inflatable/rigidizable basic tubular structural members has been developed. However, the capabilities to fabricate the joints in a structure where several tubes are joined, as well as other design aspects of a complete structure, have not been developed. This proposed program is designed to meet this need. The completion of this development will provide a unique capability which will be of benefit in numerous applications.