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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: A truss is disclosed in which rigid longitudinal members define a frame and flexible connecting members permit the truss to collapse into a stowed configuration or expand into a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A unidirectional elastomeric composite comprises a plurality of fibers generally aligned in a first direction with an elastomer filling the space between fibers. The plurality of fibers may comprise an intermediate modulus carbon fiber. Preferably, the plurality of fibers have an ultimate elongation at failure or tensile failure strain of 1% or greater, a tensile modulus between 200-400 GPa and tensile strength greater than 4 GPa. The resin or matrix may be a passive elastomer that will maintain its mechanical and chemical properties at a specific operational temperature range. Elastomers are polymers with viscoelasticity, generally having low Young's modulus and high failure strain. Methods of manufacturing the unidirectional elastomeric composite include apply the resin to fibers maintained in tension to maintain the fiber alignment.

Abstract: Multi-layered insulation is disclosed for having a collapsed configuration in which one dimension of the insulation is minimized to reduce the volume for storage. The multi-layered insulation has an expanded configuration in which the dimension is maximized to separate outer layers of the insulation. The insulation layer is composed of internal connecting membranes between outer surfaces. The MLI lattice is configured such that, when properly deployed, creates a cellular structure, thus providing the air gap between the outer surfaces.

Abstract: A collapsible cellular insulation panel for use with mobile shelters is provided. The panel comprises first and second outer sheets with a plurality of intermediate thin flexible membranes. The membranes are secured along first and second edges to inner surfaces of the outer sheets. The membranes are attached to adjacent membranes along strips that are parallel to and intermediate the first and second membrane edges. The interconnected membranes form cells that trap insulating air and break up convective currents between the outer sheets. Supported from underneath on a horizontal surface, the membranes lay substantially flat, such that a thickness of the panel substantially equals the sum of the thicknesses of the membranes and outer sheets. The panel is thus well adapted for use with mobile shelters, because it occupies little volume in the collapsed state.