RSC Energia specialists are working on developing super lightweight transformable structures for space hardware.

The operating principle of such a structure is simple: It is delivered to orbit in a compact stowed configuration, it is then pressurized and transformed, after which the structure hardens when exposed to space environment.

This technology could be used for antenna reflectors, solar arrays, extension rods for payloads and so on.

Transformable composite inflatable structures are unrivalled from the standpoint of mass minimization. Their shell is a multilayer package consisting of an air-tight internal layer, load-bearing middle layer made of carbon prepreg – an impregrnated material – and an external membrane which prevents the structure form ‘sticking’ in the stowed configuration.

- I can see application of such a technology in development of frames for deploying flexible thin-film solar arrays on small spacecraft, - said one of the developers of the product, a specialist of the laboratory for composite products Oleg Pryalukhin.

The idea of this advanced development was first proposed as far back as two years ago. Recently Oleg Pryalukhin received a grant from the company to develop a prototype product which is to appear as early as in a year. First experiments to develop the curing dynamics are already under way.

In the course of this research and development effort the Corporation specialists plan to conduct an experiment onboard the ISS, in the course of which an experimental unit will be installed on the outer surface of the Russian Segment of the station, and cosmonauts will be able to diagnose the status of that structure.