Inflatable Technologies – from Dream to Reality

Paper number

IAC-07-C2.2.08

Author

Mrs. Sandra Haeuplik, University of Technology Vienna, Austria

Coauthor

Mr. Bernhard Sommer, Austria

Coauthor

Mrs. Manuela Aguzzi, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Year

2007

Abstract

With the increasing investment in a sustained human presence beyond low-earth orbit, the interest in the development of lightweight structures comes to the fore again.

Lightweight structural concepts can include inflatable, erectable or deployable parts utilizing membranes, composites or hybrid concepts. These structures clearly offer great advantages for space stations and also for building habitats and associated infrastructure on the Moon and Mars.  By applying intelligent constructive and packing concepts, they are particularly interesting because they combine maximum load capacity and minimum use of material with the increase of operational and habitable volume.

In addition to the structural advantages, lightweight and adaptable structural concepts can be one of the most important strategies to assist a sustainable space exploration development. With the term adaptable structural concepts we refer to the ability to adapt to changed requirements e.g. of mission objectives, crew condition and technological developments. 

This paper presents a selection of past and current architectural developments of lightweight and adaptable concepts – with the main focus put on inflatable structures that may be applicable for the concept development of  sustainable habitation in Space and planetary surfaces.

Abstract document

IAC-07-C2.2.08.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-C2.2.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.