Investigation of Design Concepts for Large Space Structures to Support Military Applications

摘要

Future exploration and enterprise in low-Earth orbit will most likely require space stations for support. In addition, promotion of the Strategic Defense Initiative is mandating research and development into technologies for building structures to serve military objectives in space. However, an assessment of the state of the art for space construction technology has revealed that the field is immature, with little conceptual and experimental research completed. The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USA-CERL) has collected information on existing technologies for possible application in designing large space structures (LSS) for military support. This work is part of an effort to ensure mission-responsiveness in anticipation of a role in space construction. Military structures will require design criteria much different from those of experimental space stations. Proposed conceptual criteria for both types of structures are compared and differences are noted. Much R and D is needed before any of these structures can be developed in space. To serve as background for future studies, a literature critique is included in this report.