Large Space Structures - Their Implications and Requirements

Abstract

Over the past twenty years there has been considerable interest in the feasibility of building large structures in space. The impetus for this activity comes from a variety of sources ranging from the desire to establish further advances in space communications and space science to that of establishing the first space station. The paper discusses the requirements for the design criteria and the feasibility of using fibre/matrix composite materials for large double layer skeletal systems in space. It considers the electrical requirements and the implications for a large space antenna as well as the material requirements to achieve the electrical needs. It examines the effects of the hostile environment on the physical properties of the composite as the satellite orbits the earth and travels from low earth orbit to geostationary orbit. It concludes that, generally, composites have many advantages over other materials when used in space.