Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein include innovative engagement devices. Exemplary engagement devices may include on or more tape spring systems. The tape spring system may include a continuous or segmented bi-stable tape spring. The tape spring can be stowed in a rolled up configuration, extended to a deployed configuration, and then triggered to return to a retracted configuration.

Abstract: To provide a resin composition for plating and a plated molded article which are excellent in impact resistance and fluidity and which satisfy plating adhesion strength, plating deposition rate and thermal cycle resistance in a well-balanced manner.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provided herein include an attachment and deployment system and method. Exemplary embodiments may use features together or separately as desired. The attachment feature may be used to periodically couple a solar sail.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are described herein for compactable antennas and methods of making such an antenna. Exemplary compactable antennas include a support structure and a reflector surface. The support structure may directly or indirectly define the reflector shape. Exemplary embodiments comprise deployable support structures to permit the compactable antenna to have a smaller volume stowed configuration and a larger volume deployed configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein include collapsible and deployable antenna structures. The antenna structures may include any combination of shape memory composites, inflatable envelopes, and/or degradable materials.

Abstract: A solar sail includes a bus and a plurality of separate movable vanes coupled to the bus. Each movable vane includes a reflective surface for generating solar radiation pressure and propel the solar sail in space. Each vane may be movable relative to the bus in a fully deployed configuration such that an amount of thrust generated by solar radiation pressure on each vane is controllable.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein include innovative engagement devices. Exemplary engagement devices may include on or more tape spring systems. The tape spring system may include a continuous or segmented bi-stable tape spring. The tape spring can be stowed in a rolled up configuration, extended to a deployed configuration, and then triggered to return to a retracted configuration.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are described herein for compactable antennas. Exemplary compactable antennas include a support structure and a reflector surface. The support structure may directly or indirectly define the reflector shape. Exemplary embodiments comprise deployable support structures to permit the compactable antenna to have a smaller volume stowed configuration and a larger volume deployed configuration.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rubber-reinforced styrenic resin powder comprising 40% by mass or more of a rubbery polymer, satisfying the following conditions (1) to (4): (1) at least first and second coagulation baths are provided; (2) the first and second coagulation baths are connected; (3) an emulsified dispersion of fatty acid amide is supplied to the connecting part in an amount of 0.2 parts by mass to 2.0 parts by mass (solid content) with respect to 100 parts by mass (solid content) of a slurry; and (4) a temperature in the second coagulation bath is equal to or higher than a temperature in the first coagulation bath.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein include innovative engagement devices. Exemplary engagement devices may include on or more tape spring systems. The tape spring system may include a continuous or segmented bi-stable tape spring. The tape spring can be stowed in a rolled up configuration, extended to a deployed configuration, and then triggered to return to a retracted configuration.

Abstract: To provide a resin composition for plating and a plated molded article which are excellent in impact resistance and fluidity and which satisfy plating adhesion strength, plating deposition rate and thermal cycle resistance in a well-balanced manner.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are described herein for compactable antennas. Exemplary compactable antennas include a support structure and a reflector surface. The support structure may directly or indirectly define the reflector shape. Exemplary embodiments comprise deployable support structures to permit the compactable antenna to have a smaller volume stowed configuration and a larger volume deployed configuration.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein include innovative engagement devices. Exemplary engagement devices may include on or more tape spring systems. The tape spring system may include a continuous or segmented bi-stable tape spring. The tape spring can be stowed in a rolled up configuration, extended to a deployed configuration, and then triggered to return to a retracted configuration.

Abstract: A solar sail includes a bus and a plurality of separate movable vanes coupled to the bus. Each movable vane includes a reflective surface for generating solar radiation pressure and propel the solar sail in space. Each vane may be movable relative to the bus in a fully deployed configuration such that an amount of thrust generated by solar radiation pressure on each vane is controllable.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are described herein for compactable antennas and methods of making such an antenna. Exemplary compactable antennas include a support structure and a reflector surface. The support structure may directly or indirectly define the reflector shape. Exemplary embodiments comprise deployable support structures to permit the compactable antenna to have a smaller volume stowed configuration and a larger volume deployed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin composition comprising 10 to 60 mass % of a graft copolymer (A), 1 to 20 mass % of a copolymer (B), 10 to 88 mass % of a copolymer (C), and 1 to 10 mass % of a copolymer (D). The contents of (A) to (D) are each relative to the total amount thereof. Copolymers (A), (B), (C), and (D) are as described in the specification.

Abstract: Provided is a modifier for polycarbonate, comprising: a graft polymer (A) having 30 to 80 parts by mass of a main chain composed of an ethylene-based polymer (a) and 70 to 20 parts by mass of a graft chain composed of a structural unit derived from a vinyl-based monomer (b), with a total amount of the main chain and the graft chain of 100 parts by mass; and a graft polymer (B) prepared by graft polymerization of a vinyl-based monomer to a rubbery polymer, at a mass ratio (A):(B)=9 to 98:91 to 2, wherein the vinyl-based monomer (b) comprises a specific aromatic vinyl monomer and vinyl cyanide monomer.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are described herein for compactable antennas. Exemplary compactable antennas include a support structure and a reflector surface. The support structure may directly or indirectly define the reflector shape. Exemplary embodiments comprise deployable support structures to permit the compactable antenna to have a smaller volume stowed configuration and a larger volume deployed configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein that may be used to form a heliostat. Various reflective surfaces and support structures are described that permit lightweight construction of configurable heliostats.