Dr. Wendell Keith Belvin
NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA USA
Numerous space science missions will be enabled by the use of very large, ultra-light weight systems known as "Gossamer Structures". For example, interstellar travel with propellantless propulsion can be achieved using very large solar sails. Gossamer structures demand very thin, lightweight, space durable materials. Moreover, these materials must be incorporated into stowable/deployable structural systems unlike any space systems to date.
This lecture will discuss several gossamer missions under consideration by NASA. Current development of solar sail structures and materials technologies and associated challenges are presented. In addition, various Earth and space science missions will be described such that the need for very large apertures is apparent. The culmination of new structures, materials and active control technologies are critical to realizing these new missions. The long term desire to achieve highly functional, adaptive space structures is also discussed.
