Research and Development Activities


Support Structures for satellites’ appendages:
“Ultra-Light Structures”
Objectives: Demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing, folding, deploying and rigidizing large pneumatic satellite two-dimensional appendage supporting structures by developing the relevant technology.
Programme: TRP
Contractor: Astrium-ST
Status: Expected completion (2007/Q4)

“Polymerisation of Composite Structures in Free-Space Conditions”
Objectives: Develop the polymerisation process of composite structural materials in space environment
Programme: TRP
Contractor: Astrium-ST
Status: Expected completion (2007/Q1)

Landing:
“Exomars Phase B1”
Objectives: Design, breadboard and tests of both vented and non-vented airbags for performance comparison.
Programme: EXOMARS
Contractor: Aerosekur
Status: Expected completion (2007/Q2)

Actuators:
“Capture/Docking Mechanism Testing”
Objectives: Follow-on development of a MSR Inflatable Capture Mechanism (ICM). Testing in relevant environment intends to demonstrate the capability of the ICM to capture the SC and transfer it into the Orbiter.
Programme: Aurora
Contractor: Alcatel-Alenia Space Italy
Status: Expected completion (2008/Q1)

Habitats:
“SpaceHaven Inflatable Habitat Study”
Objectives: Requirements definition and preliminary design of Inflatable Habitat for future Human Exploration missions. Breadboard activities for selected capabilities.
Programme: STEP
Contractor: Alcatel-Alenia Space Italy
Status: Expected completion (2007/Q1)

“Design, Verification and Manufacturing aspects relevant for Inflatable Modules”
Objectives: Analyse and test technologies, specific design aspects relevant for inflatable modules.
Programme: TRP
Contractor: Alcatel-Alenia Space Italy
Status: Expected completion (2007/Q4)


 
 
 
Last update: 23 May 2007


Related articles

 •  Recently completed activities (http://www.esa.int/TEC/Structures/SEM8IJLJC0F_0.html)
 •  Workshops (http://www.esa.int/TEC/Structures/SEMW7LLJC0F_0.html)

Related links

 •  AIAA Gossamer Spacecraft Program Committee (http://www.cs.wright.edu/~gossamer/)