Fellowship: Jonathan Black: Integrated Modeling and Testing Methodology for Next-Generation Gossamer Space Structures

Gossamer space structures have the potential to revolutionize the space industry by drastically reducing the cost and exponentially increasing the power and size of orbital telescopes and antennae as well as enabling previously impossible concepts such as solar sails and space solar power stations to be launched. A new class of these structures is emerging with increased stiffness over the original membranes and inflatable booms that require a unique combination of traditional metal-based and Gossamer hardware development methods. The proposed research will develop and implement a methodology by which this new class of structures can be modeled and tested efficiently.