In-Space Assembled Booms for Deployable Lidar Instruments

In support of deployable lidar membrane optic systems requiring maximal deployed tension, the proposed Phase I effort seeks to advance the state of closed cross-section deployable booms.nbsp; The proposed Assembled Tubular Masts (ATMs) provide closed-cross section performance while eliminating problems associated with permanently bonding shell halves to form closed cross-section booms.nbsp; At the time of this proposal, MMA predicts it can achieve at least twice (2x) the tension on the deployed optic membrane MMArsquo;s Lidar system all within the same stowed volume if booms are changed from an open section slit tube to a closed, ATM cross-section. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Beyond Lidar instruments, the fundamental ATM technology developed in this Phase I effort is also directly applicable to any deployable space structure that seeks to maximize deployed system stiffness, while minimizing stowed volume and mass.nbsp; The ATM technology may be applied to future NASA missions requiring deployed solar arrays, deployable antenna systems, or other space deployable structures both in Earth orbit, interplanetary, or for lunar or Mars surface operations.nbsp;