High Transparency Inflatable Modules for Space Habitats
Date Published: 2008-06-29
Paper Number:2008-01-2025
DOI: 10.4271/2008-01-2025
Citation:
Stavrev, V. and Tomassian, R., "High Transparency Inflatable Modules for Space Habitats," SAE Technical Paper 2008-01-2025, 2008, doi:10.4271/2008-01-2025.
In reaction to the prevalent space design paradigm, we would like to explore a combination of transparent polymer laminate membranes and high tensile strength webbing as the envelope of future transparent space habitats. Further study reveals fascinating possibilities in the use a tensegrity structures as the exo- or endoskeleton for such envelopes.
In the following work we look at thin shell transparent structures as possible observation modules in space habitats or as the domed component for a colony on the moon or another planet. For such structures the internal pressure is not only a load but their shaping force as well, i.e. they are de-facto inflatables. We investigate their feasibility based on available technologies, such as lobed balloons. Other sources of technological transfer are ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer) cushions, safety laminate foils, and hi-tech laminate sails design. We further develop the basic idea of using lobed transparent membranes in space habitats through several case studies. We would finally like to spur a discussion about design process as it relates to inflatable structures.
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