Deployable Structures in Space: Ultra light CFRP Booms

Abstract

Large and ultra-light space structures on base of deployable components will gain in importance for a row of future mission applications. The DLR Institute of Composite Structures and Adaptive Systems is developing deployment concepts for ultra-light carbon-¯bre reinforced struts (CFRP booms), which can be coiled around a hub for stowage within a very tight transportation volume. The development of cost-efficient and qualified production technologies for considerably long booms as well as the design verification including on-ground deployment tests are further tasks currently being worked out. Adaptive materials are effient means to reduce the oscillations of the very large and flexible structures. They were successfully development tested and demonstrated in the framework of a boom test campaign on shortened samples. The deployable CFRP boom design is applied to a joint ESA/DLR Solar Sail in-orbit demonstration project. Four 14 meter long booms are designed, manufactured, verified, and finally integrated. The specific mass of the booms amounts to only 100 grams per meter for this application.