Origami solves a space problem
Deployable structures are an integral part of origami-inspired folding reflectors, Earth observation antennas and solar arrays. They come with the promise of substantially reducing the volume of spacecraft and ultimately, the cost of their launch. However, the technology readiness level (TRL) of deployable technologies is still low, in the order of 3 – at experimental proof of concept stage. And because the cost of failures in space is high, the space industry is reluctant to use them. To advance the TRL of deployable technologies, the 'Large Deployable Technologies for Space' (DEPLOYTECH) project brought experts in the field from across Europe. Their efforts were focused on further developing existing technologies, rather than new technologies from scratch. Therefore, raising the TRL of a deployable solar cell array, an inflatable drag sail called InflateSail and a solar sail to a value of 8, system complete and qualified, is realistic. The folding solar cell array has been designed to be compact at launch and expand to many times its size once it is deployed in outer space. It is based on carbon fibre-reinforced plastic booms with flexible solar cells between them, offering significant weight savings as compared to conventional rigid solar cell arrays. The same boom technology is also being employed in the InflateSail. This drag sail consists of an inflatable mast and ultra-lightweight polymer sail, supported by carbon fibre-reinforced plastic booms. The availability of upcoming flight opportunities has added an exciting dimension to InflateSail, which has been designed to de-orbit satellites once they have reached the end of their service lives. It is hoped that its first successful deployment will be demonstrated on the 3U CubeSat, a picosatellite scheduled to be launched by late 2014. During the first part of the project, the engineering model of the folding solar cell array and InflateSail has been completed, while the flight model is being constructed. In addition, the Gossamer solar sail, which harnesses the subtle push of sunlight to allow the satellite to cruise like a boat through the sea, has been redesigned. The next step will be to subject it to rigorous testing, including thermal, vibration and vacuum tests. Once successfully completed, the DEPLOYTECH project will make space exploration more affordable and offer access to destinations currently beyond our reach.
Keywords
Space exploration, deployable structure, solar cell, solar sail, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, technology readiness level
