Inflatable technologies: Adaptability from dream to reality

Abstract

With the increasing investment in a sustained human presence beyond low-earth orbit, the interest in the development of lightweight structures once again comes to the fore. In general, lightweight structural concepts can include inflatable, erectable or deployable parts utilizing membranes, composites or hybrid concepts. These structures clearly offer great advantages, not only for structures on Earth, but especially for space stations and also for the building of habitats and associated infrastructure on the Moon and Mars. By applying intelligent, constructive and packaging concepts, they are particularly interesting because they combine maximum load capacity and minimum use of material with an increase in operational and habitable volume. In addition to the structural advantages, lightweight and adaptable structural concepts can be one of the most important strategies in assisting sustainable space exploration development. With the term “adaptable structural concepts” we refer to the ability to adapt to changing requirements e.g. mission objectives, crew condition and technological developments. This paper presents a selection of innovative developments, both past and present, in lightweight and adaptable architectural concepts—that, focussing beyond deployability, allow the development of innovative building structures with features thoroughly enhanced through detailed discussion and examples.