Structures and Advanced Composites for Lighter-than-Air Crafts

Paper number

IAC-05-B1.1.07

Author

Mr. kimito tanaka, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISTA/JAXA), Japan

Year

2005

Abstract

This research clarifies the possibility of the structures and advanced composites analysis technologies of a blimp, an aerostat, a balloon, a space suit and an air bag for planet landing. The applications can be used in higher space science observation of the earth zone, outer space, the planets, an asteroids and satellites. The planet development, asteroid survey, communication / broadcast and transportation can be done with some practical inflatable machinery.
 
In particular, advanced composites based on lighter-than-air crafts and the latest analysis method of fractal or chaos ideas,  carry out the function under extreme environmental conditions. The space machinery (Space Inflatable Structure) of new membrane structures is being developed.

Details:
Since the technologies patents are under registration, it is still confidential. It may be registered by October.
1. The History of LTA (Lighter-Than-Air) Material Composite 
1.1 The paper processing technology was invented in China in 105 AD. It was transferred to Europe through the Islam world. 

1.2 The Mongorfier brothers manufactured the first hot-air balloon with a composite composed of paper and linen. They made the world's first human flight on November 21, 1783. Professor Jaque Charles also flew a hydrogen balloon 10 days later. Napoleon's Republican army deployed  tethered balloon for reconnaissance at the Battle of Fleurus in 1794. Henri Giffard developed the world's first airship with steam propulsion in 1852. 

Now, these technologies are reflected in modern airships.

                                             
Figure 1 Mongorfier        
Figure 2 Henri Giffard

2. The Mooring System for an Airship: (Submitted for registration) 
The mooring system is especially useful for a planet with an atmosphere. This concept is also useful with the space inflatable structures.
 
Figure 3 Mooring of an airship and an aerostat (Under registration)

3. Launching System with Balloon Technologies: (Under preparation for registration. To be registered by October.)
These spaceships can be made of inflatable materials. The system is launched with a giant balloon or other methods. 

4. Space Inflatable Structure and Spaceship  (Under preparation for registration. To be registered by October.)
 
Figure 4 Space suit          
Figure 5 Airbag            
Figure 6 Inflatable antenna
Figure 7 Airship antenna
NASA, ILC Dover
Note: I am permitted to use these photos by ILC Dover.

Abstract document

IAC-05-B1.1.07.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-B1.1.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.