Recent advances in multi-functional structures

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and its government and industry partners are actively pursuing a variety of technologies that are revolutionizing the design of future spacecraft structures. Multi-Functional Structures (MFS) is a new design paradigm that seeks to integrate the load carrying capability of traditional structures with other spacecraft functions. The result of this integrated approach is the potential for order of magnitude improvements with respect to mass, cost, and volume. This paper provides an overview of three MFS projects: Lightweight Flexible Solar Array (LFSA), the Advanced Technology Demonstration System (ATDS), and Lithium Battery Core (LibaCore). Both technical and programmatic issues associated with maturing this technology and providing a vehicle for affected technology transition will be presented. Experience has shown that transitioning new technology requires both technical advancement as well as demonstrating benefits that outweigh potential risks. It also requires developing the confidence needed to insert this technology through appropriate ground and flight demonstrations. The primary purpose of this paper is to show how industry and government can partner successfully to achieve these objectives.