Gore/seam architectures for gossamer structures

摘要

Gossamer spacecraft are ultra-low-mass (areal densities<1 kg/m~2) structures with applications in communica- tions, imaging, and propulsion. Often large, for example, diameters greater architectures can be either filled (monolithic) or sparse (segmented). Although filled apertures provide the greatest performance, manufacture of large monolithic, that is, seamless, apertures is extremely challenging. Gore/seam architectures provide a compromise for fabrication of gossamer spacecraft. Segments (gores) are manufactured and then as- sembled into a continuous aperture by seaming together the gores.