Gossamer Spacecraft: Membrane and Inflatable Structures Technology for Space Applications (Hardcover)

Part 1 Technology Background: Overview of Gossamer Structures; History of Relevant Inflatable High-Precision Space Structures Technology Development. Part 2 Fundamentals of Mechanics and Materials: Mechanics of Membrane Structures; Fundamentals of Membrane Optics - Modelling and Deployment of Inflatable Space Structures; Materials for Inflatables in Space; Rigidization Mechanisms and Materials; Atomic Oxygen Effects on Space Inflatable Materials; Solar Ultraviolet and Space Radiation Effects on Inflatable Materials; Electromagnetic Properties of Thin Metallized Materials. Part 3 Test Methods: Multidisciplinary Testing of Thin-Film Inflatable Structures; Rigidization Materials Testing; Electromagnetic Testing on Thin Metallized Materials. Part 4 Mission Concepts and Systems: Inflation Systems; Deployment Control Mechanisms and Packing Methodologies for Inflatable and Membrane Space Structures; Space Inflatable Radiometer System Concept; Radar Applications; Inflatable Solar Arrays; Gossamer Sailcraft Technology; Solar Shades; Inflatable Habitats; Advanced Concepts; Appendix - Selected Properties of Various Membrane Materials.