Systems Engineering Portfolio

Self-Deploying Membrane Reflectors

As part of an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) project, CRG successfully developed self-deploying, self-supporting membrane reflector technology for space applications.

A major drawback to many current optical mirror designs is that the high areal density of the mirrors limits the size of the mirrors that can be launched into space. One alternative is to send the mirror into orbit in segments, but there are weight constraints of the launch system to consider. The cost of producing these mirrors is also high due to the complexity of the manufacturing process.

CRG’s new mirror technology addresses the need for larger mirror configurations with decreased weight and reduced time and cost for fabrication. Using shape memory polymer (SMP) in the design of a deployable composite, CRG developed a reflector that can be folded compactly for launch, then deployed in space.

Features

In this project’s concept, the mirrors are first folded for launch. Once in orbit, a support structure positions the mirrors, and the mirrors are heated to their glass transition temperature (T_g), which enables them to change shape and self-deploy to their optical figures. The mirrors are then cooled below their T_g, when they stiffen to permanently retain the optical figure.

Benefits

By launching the mirror in a folded configuration and deploying it into the optical figure on orbit, the membrane approach allows larger aperture (greater than 20 meters), lightweight mirrors to be launched. CRG also developed simpler, faster fabrication processes ideal for membrane-based mirrors.

These improved processes require less expensive facilities, resulting in greatly reduced mirror costs. Self-deploying membrane reflectors have promising applications in orbital reflector-based systems such as solar-thermal propulsion, imaging and remote sensing, and radio and optical communications.