Ultralight Structures for Space Solar Power Satellites

Abstract

The design of a deployable spacecraft, measuring 60 m × 60 m, and with an areal density 100 g m -2 , is described.This spacecraft can be packaged into a cylinder measuring 1.5 m in height and 1 m in diameter.It can be deployed to a flat configuration, where it acts as a stiff, lightweight support framework for multifunctional tiles that collect sunlight, generate electric power, and transmit to a ground station on Earth.