Session
Technical Session III: Small Satellites - Structures, Materials, and Processes
Abstract
In the 1960's, NASA put considerable effort into inflatable space structures, including Echo I and II, PAGEOS and Explorer IX and XIX. Overall, inflatables in space have been successful and their inherent advantages have been demonstrated. Inflatable space systems invariably require less packaged volume, are lower in weight and cheaper through both development and production phases than competing mechanically erected systems. The meteoroid problem is much less than originally anticipated because large antennas and reflectors require very low inflation pressures; gas lost through leaks can be replaced from a small supply of reserve gas. Inflatables apply themselves extremely we 11 in space, where the absence of gravity creates extremely low design loads. Several applications of inflatables are outlined, including: solar concentrators for solar thermal propulsion and space power systems, communication antennas, and radiators for heat rejection in space. Inflatables make sense in this era of limited booster capabilities and are especially applicable to lightweight satellite systems. They make possible important missions that would otherwise be far too heavy and costly.
Inflatables for Lightweight Satellite Application
In the 1960's, NASA put considerable effort into inflatable space structures, including Echo I and II, PAGEOS and Explorer IX and XIX. Overall, inflatables in space have been successful and their inherent advantages have been demonstrated. Inflatable space systems invariably require less packaged volume, are lower in weight and cheaper through both development and production phases than competing mechanically erected systems. The meteoroid problem is much less than originally anticipated because large antennas and reflectors require very low inflation pressures; gas lost through leaks can be replaced from a small supply of reserve gas. Inflatables apply themselves extremely we 11 in space, where the absence of gravity creates extremely low design loads. Several applications of inflatables are outlined, including: solar concentrators for solar thermal propulsion and space power systems, communication antennas, and radiators for heat rejection in space. Inflatables make sense in this era of limited booster capabilities and are especially applicable to lightweight satellite systems. They make possible important missions that would otherwise be far too heavy and costly.
