Many space technologies are enabled by deployable mechanisms or structures to function: solar panels, radiators, and even crewed stations and rovers subsystems need to be stowed and deployed to fit in a launcher fairing and avoid unwanted... more
Many space technologies are enabled by deployable mechanisms or structures to function: solar panels, radiators, and even crewed stations and rovers subsystems need to be stowed and deployed to fit in a launcher fairing and avoid unwanted vibrations during launch. Among those structures, the deployment of large membranes and panels can be designed with the help of an unexpected technique: origami folding. The idea has been spreading in every field of engineering in the past few years; compact, rigid-folded structures that can change shape in one simple motion fascinate micro-robotics as well as aerospace engineers. Origami-inspired structures can be engineered to answer many needs. The available launch volume can be optimized, creases can improve the rigidity of a structure while keeping it lightweight, thickness can be accounted for, and complex surfaces can be approximated by flat-foldable mechanisms. Several major space actors, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administr...
