Smart Thin Film NiTi Based Membranes for Space Based Deployables

The current move towards launching smaller lower cost space mission payloads requires among other things, development of thin film structures to deploy multifunctional structures. Shape memory alloy (SMA) thin films on low density polymeric materials for deployable large space antenna applications have recently garnered considerable attention as potential solutions. These large flexible structures (40m) are fabricated with lightweight compliant systems, (e.g. thin films) to permit deployment. Low internal pressure provides much of the structure?s ability to deploy, sustain loads and retain a desired geometrical configuration within specified limits of accuracy. However, precise control of the antenna?s shape would demand a distributed actuation and control scheme. A distributed compact actuation scheme could allow the structure to adapt to changing environments or mission needs. Recent developments in the deposition of thin film shape memory materials, in particular NiTi thin films, suggest that shape memory materials are the best choice for large deployable space antennas.