NASA | Expandable Structures: Transformational Concepts and Technologies

The use of expandable structures has the potential to change the economics of space exploration and enable human exploration of asteroids and the inner solar system. However, this class of structural system must earn its way into aerospace applications by developing a rigorous knowledge base for design (materials and structures), analysis, testing, fabrication, deployment, shape control, and expandable-unique operations (e.g. rigidization). Innovations in expandable structures are needed to develop the knowledge base and advanced technologies for future NASA missions. This project reviewed the state-of-the-art in expandable structures and assessed current challenges and several proposed key technology innovations to improve performance as well as the safety and reliability of expandable systems.

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Science & Technology

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• NASA