Multifunctional structures

Abstract

Access to space has always been expensive. The Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/VS) has various efforts underway to develop technologies and methodologies that would enable the reduction of both launch and on-orbit costs. Program cost restrictions on advanced military and commercial space systems demand greater efficiencies in terms of payload mass fractions. Spacecraft structures are normally looked upon as necessary but unproductive components of satellites, and they consume a large percentage of the total mass budget for a spacecraft. Multifunctional Structures (MFS) is a concept that incorporates various normally stand-alone spacecraft functions onto the bus structure, thereby providing necessary weight and volume savings that enable next generation systems. Thermal management, power storage, electrical cabling and interconnects, and avionics boxes are just a few of the subsystems that can be integrated onto a spacecraft structure. An additional benefit is the reduction of touch labor in regards to spacecraft assembly, rework, and testing. This is especially true for reusable systems. This paper summarizes various MFS programs managed by the AFRL/VS that are focused on developing technologies that could potentially revolutionize the efficiency of spacecraft structures. The AFRL/VS goal is to develop these micro-satellite enabling technologies for operational systems, both military and commercial. Implementation of these efforts will translate into decreased operational costs for the space community.