Systems Engineering Portfolio

Self-Constructing Structures

Self-Constructing Structures for the Moon and Mars

CRG’s goal is to provide a prefabricated, self-constructing infrastructure for future missions to the moon and Mars to eliminate the labor burden of outpost construction. CRG’s systems will survive landing stresses and reliably self-construct without human assistance.

Structures

Prefabricated, self-constructing systems will include a range of structures:

    • Communications towers
    • Solar concentrators
    • Laboratories
    • Cabinetry
    • Buildings
    • Tables and chairs
    • Tanks
    • Desks
    • Beds

Unlike inflatable soft goods or UV-curing resins, CRG’s solution provides fully cured, rigid structures engineered to be rugged and reliable without using inflation.

Self-Deploying Design

The base technology that enables this vision is a versatile new material known as Veritex™. Veritex is an affordable, fiber-reinforced shape memory polymer matrix composite. This high strength-to-weight ratio composite is manufactured in one shape and later reshaped as needed with automated forming equipment.

A deployment system that automatically extrudes rigid beams from preloaded, pre-cured flat roll stock is in early prototype stages. Plans include communications towers that are vertically extruded and buildings that will self-construct as three-dimensional structural systems.

Much like origami, extruding Veritex structures are engineered without folds along critical load paths. Engineering design and development activity to demonstrate feasibility is being funded by NASA under a Phase I SBIR contract entitled “Self-Erecting Communications Infrastructure.” During Phase II, CRG will design and demonstrate the technology for various moon and Mars mission opportunities.