New Structures for Large Sensor Array Platforms

The success of SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) illustrates the utility of radar interferometry from space. The intent of the proposed work is to develop system capability to deploy a one-kilometer baseline radar interferometer launched in a single mission from a standard launch vehicle. This system is enabled by on a novel deployable structure technology. This structural approach has the potential of increasing stowed packaging efficiency by a factor of >2x and decreasing linear mass density by a factor of >8x better than SRTM while maintaining equivalent strength, stability, and stiffness. The challenge of this technology is to develop methods of utilizing high modulus, low CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) graphite fiber composites in an arrangement that does not exceed the strain limits of the material when stowed yet retains the desired stiffness and thermal stability when deployed. The approach is to add an additional order of structural hierarchy to the overall system by further optimizing the constituent columns of the truss into simple deployable truss structures themselves. Each column is comprised of a set of mutually stabilized rods that can be configured by varying the number and size of rods and stabilizers for required axial stiffness and buckling strength.