Large Inflatable Self-Rigidizing Polymer Film Structures

The primary objective of the Phase I work was to determine the feasibility of manufacturing inflatable preshaped polyimide film structures that have the inherent thermal stability and structural strength to meet requirements of large space systems without internal pressurization or other rigidization. The feasibility of the scalable, low-cost manufacturing technology was validated by structural component design, fabrication and testing. A sound technology basis was established for continued manufacturing process refinement and application. The Phase II effort will develop and demonstrate large ultra-lightweight, compactly stowable, self-rigidizing inflatable structures.