A Literature Review of Ultra-Light and Inflated Toroidal Satellite Components

Abstract

Gossamer structures, also known as inflatable or membrane structures, have been a subject of renewed interest in recent years for space applications such as communication antennas, solar thermal propulsion, space solar power, and other large spacecraft applications. The major advantages of using inflatable structures in space are their extremely low weight, on-orbit deployability, and minimal stowage volume for launching. In this paper, we present a literature survey on different aspects of inflatable structures. Analytical and experimental studies of an inflated torus-the main structural support system for several inflatables-have drawn a considerable amount of attention from the vibration and control community. The inflated torus will be the main focus of this survey. First, we present an overview of gossamer spacecraft technology. Thereafter, we consider analytical studies of inflated tori and arches, and we cite several research papers on these topics. Next, we present a brief overview of research work on experimental studies of tires, inflated tori, and other types of gossamer structures, and we outline the future for ultra-flexible spacecraft technology.