• DocumentCode
    878332
  • Title

    Inflatable space structures

  • Author

    Thomas, Mitchell

  • Author_Institution
    L´´Garde Inc., Tustin, CA, USA
  • Volume
    11
  • Issue
    4
  • fYear
    1992
  • Firstpage
    29
  • Lastpage
    32
  • Abstract
    The importance of inflatable structures for activities in space is discussed, and their history is described. The changes in structural principles when such structures are used in a zero-gravity environment are highlighted. Technical issues arising for large precision structures, regarding environment, surface accuracy, analysis and electrical properties are considered. A typical large inflatable antenna structure is examined.<>
  • Keywords
    aerospace; reflector antennas; inflatable reflector antenna; inflatable space structures; large inflatable antenna structure; large precision structures; structural principles; zero-gravity environment; Aluminum; Coatings; Hydrocarbons; Missiles; Packaging; Satellites; Skin; Space shuttles; Space technology; Stress;
  • fLanguage
    English
  • Journal_Title
    Potentials, IEEE
  • Publisher
    ieee
  • ISSN
    0278-6648
  • Type

    jour

  • DOI
    10.1109/45.207143
  • Filename
    207143