Inflatable tensegrity module for a large-scale space structure and its construction scenario

Large-scale space structures have been usually launched in a single compact folded configuration and deployed to its functional configuration in space. However, this method is useful only to some extent because larger-scale construction cannot be transported as a single load. The whole structure must be divided into modules; multiple launches, deployments and assembly of them are indispensable. In this paper we propose a new model of constructing large-scale structures in space. To be specific, we deal with construction of the Solar Power Satellite (SPS). We show a design of deployable tensegrity module, assembled by using specially designed space manipulator robots. Result of structural analysis and deployment experiment of a prototype module are shown.