Self Deployable Ultra-Lightweight Modular Unit for Habitat Structural Applications, Phase I

Space deployable and rigidizable structures which are ultra-lightweight, and have high rigidity, space durability, and high impact resistance are desirable to improve the reliability and affordability of space structures. Some of the components currently in use such as shelters or transhabs use double-wall thick films with high internal pressure. All these hollow components are vulnerable in space because of the debris and meteorites that can strike them. They will lose their functions if hit and damaged by foreign objects. Besides, these deployable structures in space typically rely upon electro-mechanical mechanisms and mechanically expandable booms to deploy structures and maintain them in space for use, which occupy over 90% of the total mass budget in many cases. In this Phase I project, we propose to develop self-deployable, low-density microcellular foamed sandwiches from shape memory polymers or CHEM as structural components of space habitats. Such a structural module can be compacted into a very small volume to facilitate launching. The deployment energy is the heat from the sun. This concept greatly simplifies the entire operation, reduction in weight and cost, and improves reliability. They also feature great impact resistant. Foams processed by the conventional chemical-blowing agent have toxicity problems. Our microcellular CHEM foamed sandwiches do not involve any toxicity and will have higher mechanical properties than those processed by the conventional techniques.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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